Adding Colour to Your Garden: A Guide to Annuals and Perennials

20 Jan, 2023

Do you find yourself admiring gardens with beautiful pops of colour that you didn't even notice a few weeks ago? Chances are, those gardens have perennials that have just popped back up, or they have recently planted annuals! We love colourful gardens, and so do the birds, bees, and butterflies!

So, what's the difference between annuals and perennials? Annuals are plants that germinate, flower, set seed, and die all in one season. Perennials, on the other hand, live for several years. After flowering and dying back, their roots remain, and they grow back each spring.


You might be wondering, why would I want to plant something that only lasts for a year? Well, there are advantages to both, and you don't have to choose one or the other for your garden. Combining annuals and perennials will give you endless options for colour, shape, and texture.


Let's dive a little deeper into each type of plant:


Annuals: Annuals are perfect for adding long-lasting, high-impact colour to your garden. They bloom all summer long and are often bright and showy. Plus, they mature quickly and can dress up your flower bed or container garden in no time. They're a great way to experiment with colour schemes before committing to a permanent planting plan. And let's be real, who doesn't love flowers?


Perennials: Perennials take some time to establish themselves, but once they do, they offer enduring beauty year after year. Plus, they're easy to propagate by dividing the root system, which is a great way to share your love of gardening with friends and neighbours.


There are endless combinations of annuals and perennials to choose from, which makes it easy to create the perfect garden, no matter the size. So go ahead, add some colour to your garden and bring in the birds, bees, and butterflies.

Our Top Annuals

Alyssum

Alyssum is a low-growing annual that grows quickly and produces an abundance of blooms. This sun-loving groundcover has a sweet fragrance and flowers from spring to fall. It is perfect for filling in empty spaces, as a border around pots, or as an attractive edging plant.

Grow Well Guide

Lobelia

Lobelia is a vibrant flowering plant that is ideal for hanging baskets or containers. This must-have annual is known for its masses of small blue, purple or white flowers that come in either compact and upright or trailing forms. It is a great way to add a splash of colour to your garden.

Grow Well Guide

Petunia

Petunias are an all-time favourite for their long-lasting display of vibrant and colourful blooms. These versatile annuals are great for borders, containers, hanging baskets, or as a groundcover. They are a must-have for any garden.

Grow Well Guide

Our Top Perennials

Lavender

With its soothing fragrance and long flowering period, it’s no surprise that lavender is so popular. Not only is it a favourite among gardeners but also among bees, bumblebees, and butterflies. This tough, easy-care plant is a must-have for any garden. It can be used to fill gaps in borders, pots, small hedges, or planted near crops that need pollinators. The flowers can also be picked for a vase or dried for later use.

grow well guide

Osteospermum

Osteospermum, also known as the Cape or African Daisy, is a vibrant perennial that produces an array of colourful blooms from summer to autumn. Perfect for adding a pop of colour to borders, patio pots, or mass plantings, these plants are a great choice for adding a touch of brightness to any garden. Whether you're looking to liven up a dull corner or add some colour to a patio or deck, the Osteospermum is the perfect choice.

Nemesia

Nemesias are a bright and beautiful addition to any garden. These fast-growing plants produce a profusion of warm-coloured, fragrant flowers from late spring to autumn. They are versatile and can be used as edging plants, ground covers, in borders or as container plants. They are also easy to grow and will continue to produce a long-lasting display of flowers. Whether you're looking to add some colour to your garden beds or brighten up a patio or deck, Nemesias are an excellent choice. Their light fragrance adds a pleasant aroma to the garden.

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