Sweet-alyssum, truly foolproof, makes the simplest garden look finished. Colors are white or violet, height from 4 to 10 inches, habit, spreading. Use scissors to shear off an inch or so of growth every few weeks during the summer to keep plants flowering vigorously.
Zinnias continue to improve in bloom quality; no muddy colors here. Flower size ranges from 1% to 5 inches across and height from 1 to 3 feet. Flowers last whether cut or left growing. ·
Marigolds are suitable for every position in border; colors are variations of orange, yellow and red.
Petunias are hybridizers’ delight. Good fiery reds are the latest colors.
Cleome is tall, wispy-flowered and excellent for background and contrast among stiffer plants. It is pink or white.
Celosia or cockscomb can be crest flowered or plume flowered for unusual colorings, try the Gilbert celosias.
Cosmos, at the peak of their bloom, possess an airy grace. Once seeds form, though, they don’t do much for the garden except attract gold-finches.
Morning glory, friend to new and old gardener alike, can accomplish all sorts of miracles in one season. Its seeds benefit from overnight soaking, too.
Snapdragons take more energy and effort but once in bloom they can do for the annual garden what delphiniums do for the perennial border. Have you tried growing snapdragons as biennials where winters are fairly mild?
