Perennial and annual pleasures
Most perennials stay in bloom for roughly three to six weeks. The secret to enjoying their blooms to the fullest is to select plants with staggered bloom times for a colorful bed with “oomph” throughout the season.
As with all plants, space perennials properly as crowded plants grow less vigorously. Plant seeds of moon flowers — a close cousin of morning glories. Moonflowers open in early evening with a sweet-scented beacon of light that rivals the moon. Their delightful fragrance spreads over a large area. The annual vines of moonflowers need a trellis or arbor to climb.
Annual sunflowers are drought-resistant and sun loving. When seedheads dry out, they’ll even provide food for birds. A very large selection is available, both in size and color.