6" dahlia $9.99
Hi friends 👋
Can we take a minute to talk about the beauty of annual flowers? The aisles of the greenhouse at Anna’s are overflowing with the most gorgeous blooms. And I can’t help but thank my lucky stars that this is the sight I have the privilege of walking into everyday for work!
If you aren’t already well versed in the structure of Anna’s greenhouse, I’ll fill you in on a tip: annuals are all of the colourful flowers you will find inside, while the ever-returning perennials can be found outside in front of the greenhouse. Both are gorgeous, and both play an important role in our gardening needs.
Annual flowers come in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes and can add a pop of flare to any outdoor space. They help to brighten up our gardens, window boxes and balconies. While perennials are great staples to fill much of the space in our gardens and add consistency. It may help to think of perennials as the old standbys returning year after year, and annuals as the accessories that help them look their best! It’s true. Perennials have the staying power, but only bloom for specific times. While annuals, although short lived, showcase their brilliant petals all season long. Both of these are important qualities, and if you’re aiming for lots of colour in your garden bed, mixing the two is the way to do it.
If treated well, annuals will gift you with their colours for the whole summer. But, blooming time and time again is a lot of work for a little flower to do – so they require a little TLC. Because annuals don’t have an established root system like perennials, they do require more frequent watering. And once their blooms wilt, dead heading will encourage another bud to grow. So, growing annuals near the house (or hose) is usually a good idea.
5" Dwarf sunflower $5.99
Annuals have many uses and can most commonly be found in planter pots used to spruce up our porches and entrances. And they certainly do a good job of it! This year I bought some gorgeous premade planters as well as made a couple of my own. I purchased this tabletop planter bowl and absolutely love it!
If you have the time and the vessel already, making your own is a more affordable option. And, it's fun to get creative with your hands in the soil! Just remember the general rule of: Thriller, spiller, and filler. The thriller – something tall for the center, the spiller – something to drape over the edge, and the filler – flowers to fill the gaps in between and add colour. By following these instructions you’ll create a stunning three-dimensional planter that you’ll be proud to showcase.
To assist with your needs, there is a sign at the beginning of each aisle at Anna’s labelled with its contents. If you’re creating your own planter, one aisle is labelled “thrillers, spillers & fillers”, you will surely want to take a stroll down there. Some aisles contain “5-inch annuals for shade” and others “for sun” It’s important to pay attention to the climate where you’re planting so you know which type of flowers will thrive in your garden.
Another great way to make use of annual flowers is to create a pollinator garden. Bees, butterflies, and other insects are essential for pollinating plants, which is necessary for plant reproduction. This is a mutually beneficial relationship as the plants in turn create nectar to feed said creatures.
By planting annual flowers which are always in bloom, you are providing a habitat for these important insects. Did you know that pollinators like bees play a key role in one out of every three bites that we eat?! Without them, many of the plants we rely on for food would die off. Let’s all plant some flowers and do our part to help the bees. If you want to support this cause, but aren't interested in planting a pollinating garden, Anna's has pre-made 14" pollinator planters! I popped one in a pretty pot and added it to my flower garden. Easy peasy!
14" pollinator mix planter $44.99 | 15.25" ceramic pot $129.99 (currently on sale for additional 40% off)
And while we’re on the subject of pollinators, lets talk about vegetable gardens. If you're growing a vegetable garden, adding annual flowers can be beneficial in many ways. As I mentioned above, annual flowers attract pollinators, which can help to increase your vegetable yield. They also provide a beautiful and colorful backdrop to your vegetables, making your garden more visually appealing. And honestly, who wouldn’t want that? Plus, many annual flowers have natural insect-repelling properties. This can help to keep pests away from your vegetables without the need for harmful pesticides. Marigolds and nasturtiums make great additions to vegetable gardens, as they do all of the above, plus they are edible! The petals offer a beautiful peppery addition to summer salads. I’ve added flowers to my veg garden, it’s too early of course to actually see the benefits, but they’re already making me happier! Go ahead, give it a try!
Marigolds $7.99 for 6 pk
When talking annuals, I think it’s clear that the pros outweigh the cons. So, if you get the chance, stop on by, grab a cart, and harness all the beauty they possess. And remember, gardening is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the process and take pride in the beautiful garden you create!
