Osteospermum

Sometimes called the African Daisy, this plant is a staple in my garden every year. I blooms from Spring to frost (and sometimes beyond!). The colors are amazing, and you can find several hybrids that are to die for!!!

Glorious Morning Glory!

This  prolific bloomer is one of the few real "true blue" flowers, and I love everything about them! From the trumpet shaped petals (that attracts hummingbirds!), to the fact that they climb on fences and posts makes this a must-have for any garden.

Pink English Daisy....

These flowers make me happy! Bright pink, with large yellow centers. This sweet little flower will liven up a garden like nothing else.....I'll let the photo say the rest!!

Black Velvet petunia!

 New within the past couple of years, this gorgeous hybrid petunia is so pretty paired with  a pink geranium.  Besides the all black, I have some with a yellow star and one with a pink stripe. And how cool is it that they were invented just a few miles down the road, in Le Sueur, MN

Calibrachoa

Calibrachoa is a trailing plant , which look like tiny petunias. The new hybrids come in double flowering ones, like the plant pictured here. They are sometimes called called million bells. Beautiful in hanging baskets or pots.

 

Calla Lilies

Calla lilies are so beautiful!  They do well in full sun, but if they are grown in partial shade, you'll get more blooms.

Daffodil

So unique in shape and color, the daffodil is yellow yumminess! Even though there are over 50 species the shape is always the same.   Blooms in early Spring!

Hydrangeas!

I don't think there is any flower prettier than the hydrangea! While I remember them from my childhood, I don't recall having all of the beautiful colors available today. And, living in Minnesota, I'm thrilled that some of the newer varieties grow in our colder climate. Large, large blooms and gorgeous colors-what's not to love?!! 

Tulips

There's is nothing like the first tulip that blooms in the Spring! Their pretty folded petals and varied colors are always welcome in the bare landscape after Winter. This is the last of mine to bloom this year!!

The aristrocrat of climbers..........

Clematis are of the Ranunculaceae botanical family, and bloom from Spring to frost!

I usually plant a couple of different varieties together to acheive this.  They love the East sun, and are

need something to climb on!

Hibiscus

From the mallow family, this beautiful, tropical plant has large, showy flowers!!

Pansies..........

I think pansies have the happiest little "faces"!  They come in so many different colors, and are one of the first things to bloom in the Spring!

Geranium...

Geraniums are a staple in my gardens! I always plant several different varieties, and usually pink!!

Pavement roses.............

I've heard several explanations of where the name came from, but my favorite is that these are so hardy you can grow them in pavement!  This rose comes in a variety of gorgeous colors, with clusters of  semi-double flowers with yellow hearts.   This low growing shrub rose is perfect for along our brick walk, and is highly tolerant of  heat....yes, they are just as tough as they are beautiful!

Coneflower...aka, Echinacea!

Wonderful,  long-flowering perennial, this plant comes in so many different colors, and attracts butterflies like crazy! They bloom right through July and August, particularly if deadheaded. There are so many new hybrids on the market, and I have my eye out for a few myself!

Everything is coming up daisies!

The Shasta Daily.....I love them for a number of reasons!

Not only does this plant have beautiful, long-lasting blooms, but they are tolerant of wind and rain, and never needs staking. But the main reason?  They just make me smile!!

Viola...pretty name, pretty flower!

It's not surprising that The National Gardening Bureau picked violas as their flower of the year for 2007!

Related to the pansy, the viola has a sweet scent and deep violet color. One of first flowers to appear in the Spring, this early bloomer prefers the cooler weather- (I've even seen them pop through snow!)

I always remove the spent blooms, and keep them moist in the hotter temps. They re-seed freely, and sometimes I'll find them amongst other perrienals or even the lawn!

I'll start with one of my favorites........

...........the ranunculus! 

 I've seen them described as "Prolific and Terrific" and that is quite accurate. The colors are brilliant, and to me, they look like layer after layer of crepe paper. I have three different colors, but plan on adding a few more pots! This plant likes it a bit cooler, and the blooms usually last about 6 weeks.