As spring arrives, one of the first questions we hear is: What plants should I choose? The answer comes down to two simple things: how long the plant lasts and how much sun your space gets.
How Long Will Your Plants Last?
Annuals live for one growing season. They bloom quickly, give lots of colour, but won’t come back next year. Examples: petunias, marigolds, begonias.
Perennials come back year after year. They may bloom lightly the first year but grow bigger over time. Examples: hostas, daylilies, coneflowers.
Biennials take two years. They grow leaves in the first year, flower in the second, then finish their life. Examples: foxglove, some hollyhocks.
Most fruits and vegetables are treated as annuals, producing for one season only. Some, like strawberries or asparagus, return for several years once established. Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and herbs are replanted each year. Some fruits, like strawberries or asparagus, can return for several years once established.
Understanding Sunlight
Once you know what type of plant you want, the next step is matching plants to how much sun your space actually gets.
Full sun means 6 or more hours of direct sun per day. Ideal for most annual flowers, vegetables like tomatoes and peppers, and sun-loving perennials like lavender and coneflowers.
Partial sun or partial shade means 3–6 hours of sun daily, often morning or filtered light. Good choices include leafy greens, herbs, hydrangeas, coral bells, and many perennials.
Shade means less than 3 hours of direct sun or mostly filtered light.
Great shade plants include: Hostas, ferns, begonias, impatiens, and shade-loving perennials thrive here.
Easy Rule to Remember
When choosing plants, ask yourself:
1. Do I want something just for this season or for years to come?
2. How much sun does my space actually get?
Match those two things, and your plants will be much happier, and so will you.
And if you're unsure, bring photos of your space or chat with us in the greenhouse this Spring. We’re always happy to help you find the right fit as we welcome another beautiful spring season.
