Petunias aren't one of my favorites, but they are good "fillers" in large gardens and planters.
Have you ever tried impatience?
They are delicate and when you mix many colors together, they are beautiful.
Three suggestions that thrive on neglect and are tough,tough,tough:
1) Cosmos. I planted them in northern FL and here in central Ohio. In both places they grew like crazy.
2) Marigolds.
Don't turn up your nose. There are about a zillions varieties in all sizes, shapes and colors. There are marigolds with no (or almost none) scent, white marigolds (though they're actually a light yellow-ivory IMHO),and there are "mule" marigolds who spend all their time blooming since they can't make babies. Check out Burpee.com.
3) Zinnia. There are some lovely cadets of this family called Zinnia Augustiafolio (sp???). Instead of being a pom-pom head, they have flat pedals like daisies.
Nasturtiums are supposed to be very easy to grow but I nave never had any luck with them. :o(
If you are looking for perennials seriously consider OGR (old garden roses). Like the above 3 annuals these gals are tough and a lot hardier than their modern sisters.
I have garden fever pretty bad. It is 70 today. But I keep looking back through my garden journals and reminding myself that my last frost date is May 5th on average.
But still....
How big is your garden for vegetables? What do you like most? I have plenty of recommendations if you let me know what you like.
IrishCatholic
Petunias aren't one of my favorites, but they are good "fillers" in large gardens and planters.
Have you ever tried impatience?
They are delicate and when you mix many colors together, they are beautiful.
I second the reccomend for cosmos. It's an indestructible flower. Looks really, really pretty tucked in with peas and tomatos.
Cool thread BUMP!
-Chamomile(pretty white, daisy-like, smells fresh) Plant in inner garden area because they seem to sprawl and look messy after a while.
-Fever Few(same as above, except doesn't smell real swift, but is sturdier than chamomile. Good for lining a walkway. It probably keeps some critters away since the smell is unappealing.
The new wave petunias are great! You don't have to pinch them. On the ground they spread with many blooms; also beautiful in planters. I love them. Also love impatiens for shady spots, and cosmos will reseed.
What climate zone are you in ?
I've planted lots of different tomatos but I found an heirloom last year that I absolutely love, Brandywine. They get relatively large, like a beefsteak does, but they are unbelievably sweet and not at all mealy or hard in the center like others that size can be. They take a long time to reach maturation, though, so I ususally plant an Early Girl of something of that nature also because I hate waiting that long for tomatos in the summer.
Here is a link to my gardening pictures:
Gerbera Daisies - 4 to 5" flowers!
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/892/index.html
Moss Rose (Portulaca)
Does well in full sun, does not require alot of watering, and constantly blooming until around mid August. Little or no maintenance. Potential to re-seed itself.
Dusty Miller also does well in these conditions, and no maintenance involved. Cut down in fall or spring, and most likely will come back. Both can withstand light frost in Zone 5.
Catharanthus, generally marketed as Annual Vinca (good for hot spots; more color variety than there used to be; good substitute for impatiens)
So-called Dwarf Morning glory (Convolvulus)
Bellis or English daisy
Any of you ever sow seeds in the summer?