While it’s still a little early here in the northeast to plant outside, we are getting close to warmer days, softer ground and more sun…all of which are great for those spring and summer flowers. Whether you plan a large flower bed, or just a couple of pots or window boxes there is much to think about when it comes to those fragrant floral considerations.

Annual or Perennial…what’s the difference? If you are new to gardening, you may be baffled, but it’s fairly simple. An annual typically only grows for one season and then dies. They do produce seeds and if you harvest the seeds you can easily replant them the following year. Perennials will bloom over the spring and summer, seemingly die over the fall and winter, but will return again from the same plant, the following spring. Perennials last at least two years, but in many cases, much longer.

Some common annual flowers include:

• Impatiens
• Petunias
• Zinnias

Some common perennial flowers include:

• Daisies
• Lilies
• Peonies

There are so many more options in both categories, and so many ways to display your flowers. I generally have a mixture of both. The photos here, taken by the talented Rikki Snyder, show my summer gardens as well as some pots and other containers I typically plant.

Traditionally, we think that flowers that grow from bulbs have to be planted in the fall, however, that’s not always the case. Here are some great guides to help you get started: 20 Bulb Flower Types from Happy DIY Home and The 5 Best Bulbs to Plant in Spring for Summer Blooms from SmartPot. 

Whatever you plant, for this spring and summer or for seasons to come, enjoy the colors and fragrances they will provide!