There are many awesome annuals at Diane’s Greenhouse. Many bloom all summer without any additional labor throughout the summer. Our favorite is “supertunias”. They bloom all summer, no matter how hot it gets. You don’t have to pick the dead flowers off either. But you must remember to fertilize, they like fertilizer. We use “Daniels” fertilizer. You can feed your baskets and containers once/week. It really will make a difference.

If you need help in planning a stunning flower bed or container, just ask, we will help you pick out the best plants.

So let’s start 2012 with several new exciting annuals for everybody to try. There is Abutilon, Lucky Lantern Tangerine – Heat tolerant and makes an excellent container plant for shade. Calibrachoa, Cherry Star – An exciting new color cherry with a gold stripe. Blooms all summer and takes the sun and heat. Ice Plant, Candy Apple Red – A succulent with magenta flowers. Loves heat and the sunshine. Blooms all summer and is low maintenance. Kangaroo Paw, Bush Diamond – White with a touch of pink makes this an awesome feature plant in a container. Takes the heat and sun. Grass, Fireworks – This is an annual grass that will give a lot of interest. Purple tassels appear in summer with white, green, burgundy and hot pink blades of grass. Grows 3’ tall and very easy to grow. Zea Mays – Field of Dreams – Probably the most unusual plant of the season. It looks like corn (it will even grow popping corn). Variegated foliage with a pink tinge. Thrives in sun.

As I recommend for everything: Add a 2-3” layer of mushroom compost to your flower beds. This is your fertilizer for the season and it makes a big difference in the heat of summer.