Spring has sprung around here and I couldn’t be any happier. Gardening is my favorite hobby and I always reap the reward throughout the year when I start planting those little flowers in the springtime. Most of my choices will last throughout the summer if I choose the right spot in my yard. For a little investment, it really pays off throughout the spring and summer season.

I live in Houston and here are my top picks for zone 8-9:

Petunias – These babies put on a show that will last until mid summer if planted in a partly shady area or container. They are the perfect choice for spilling over a pot with other foliage on top. Hanging baskets are their specialty.

Impatiens – If you have a shady spot and want blooms throughout the spring, summer and into next fall, don’t look any futher than impatiens. Perfect to border a flowerbed, hang in a basket or in a standalone pot all by itself. The New Guinea variety is the latest to hit the scene and it is much more sun tolerant, but I still prefer the shade lovers because I already have tons of choices that love a sunny spot.

Geraniums – These delightful flowers are perfect in a container and have long staying blooms. They are normally more expensive than a typical 4 inch pot of annuals and I like to plant them alone or with a low lying bloomer like Blue Daze or greenery such as sweet potato vine.

Periwinkle (Vinca) – Pink, red, rose and white blooms are in abundance in spring and throughout the summer. They thrive in direct sun and are drought tolerant. They do not thrive well in damp areas so find a well drained area and watch them go!

Begonias – Compact and waxy, these leaves come in a lighter green or a darker foliage. The blooms range from white to red with a little something for everyone. My favorites? Light green leaf with white or pink blooms.

Snapdragons – I love to sprinkle these throughout a flowerbed, but they normally only last until late spring. They are spikes of bright and vivid blooms. Dwarf varieties are about 12 inches tall and the tall types can reach over 2 feet tall. They are stunning in the garden! I have even planted them amongst my early vegetable gardens for a pop of color.

 Caladiums – Technically a bulbed annual flower, I love to plant these next to my other blooming flowers. If you want to grow them from the bulb, you have to start early. Otherwise, I normally purchase the variety of my choice in a 4 inch pot at the local nursery. They will last in my garden until the first frost.

Happy Gardening and Until Next Time!