In thinking about it I began to wonder if the growing trend toward native plants and the use of local plant communities in garden design has stunted the appeal of designing with annuals, the majority of which are exotic varieties from tropical climates. When it comes to garden design I prefer to use every horticultural tool available, and I see no reason why a three-foot tall nicotiana won’t look amazing among the coneflowers. Or for a truly native feel try cleome (photo, right). They look like something right out of a nearby meadow and as they grow taller week after week they keep producing new blooms with no dead-heading required.

This time of year nurseries put their annuals on sale. The mad rush of spring is over and now nurseries must either sell what’s left at a discount, or toss it onto the compost pile. I believe in “belated seasonal gardening,” which means I buy my plants after their peak time. This strategy is good for tree purchases, great for perennial shopping, and perfect for grabbing up annuals. I save money and still have a great looking garden filled with flowers until season’s end when the first frosts of autumn set in.

By Daryl Beyers

Poundridge Nurseries is having a sale on annuals right now. Get 40% off all annuals today!