Annuals are plants that germinate, mature, flower, and produce seed in one year. Biennials are sort of "in between" annuals and perennials. Biennials will grow the first year but flower the second when grown from seed. After that you need to re-plant.

Annuals brighten up yards, patios and terraces during months of warm weather. They will not last the winter but there are varieties that re-seed themselves so that the effort of planting again in the spring is minimized.

You can find a wide variety of annuals at garden centers, hardware stores and many times at stores that otherwise never sell outdoor plants. They are so popular in the spring that they just seem to dominate the retail landscape, and of course, the landscape in general!

As you become more familiar with different varieties, you can start to pick your favorites for the next time you plant. Have fun saving and trading seeds too. It is a great way to expand your living collection.

Remember... Annuals make great yard candy!