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Using Annuals

Annuals are useful for several reasons. With a little
attention they grow well for most gardeners and provide
almost instant color. Many are purchased in bud or bloom to
begin flowering soon after planting. They continue to bloom
until frosted in the fall. If this year's selections are
not the best choices, they only need to be tolerated for one
year. Next year change the color scheme or plant
arrangement to a more satisfactory design. Well designed
and selected plantings can be changed due to the large
variety of annual types and colors.

The most impressive use of annuals is in large groups
of one color. To mix colors, plant in small groups of one
color. The least effective use is mixing the individual
plants and colors.

Annuals give color to spring flowering bulb beds after
the bulbs have finished blooming. Such beds are often
unattractive while the bulb foliage is maturing and the
annuals are too small to hide it. Most bulbs are planted
deep enough so annuals may be planted over them. Where
bulbs are shallow, plant spreading annuals around the
grouping of bulbs. The bulbs will be covered eventually
even though no annuals are actually planted over them.

Annuals are excellent in a garden for cut flowers. If
the garden provides many cut flowers, few blossoms may
remain in the garden. Include spike flowers as well as
round individual flowers. Consider color compatibility
between the flowers and the decor of rooms where the
arrangements are to be displayed.

Michigan State University Extension
Home Horticulture - 01701029
01/01/96

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