Lawn and Garden
Yard and lawn care is an important part of maintaining a home. Learn about landscaping and get yard tips and advice from the experts at HowStuffWorks.
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What is aquaponics?
How Azaleas Became the Signature Flowers of the South
Why Evergreen Trees Don't Shed Their Needle-like Leaves
The Dreaded Bradford Pear Tree Smell Isn't Very Pear-Like
Learn More / Page 20
Nicotiana, or flowering tobacco, is an annual flower related to the tobacco plants of commerce. Flower colors include white, pink, maroon, lavender, green, red, and yellow. Learn more about nicotiana.
Pansies, and violas are annual flowers related to violets. These plants bloom during cool seasons of the year. In the Deep South, they are used for winter bedding. Learn about pansies and violas.
Perilla is an annual flower known for its frilly purple leaves. They're easy to grow and self-sow all over the place. Resembling purple basil, perilla plants grow up to three feet. Learn more about perilla.
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Petunia is an annual flower that has captivated breeders with its funnel-shaped flowers. The colors go from pink through red, lavender, purple, peach, white, cream, and even yellow. Learn more about garden petunias.
Snapdragon is an annual flower that children can snap open the flowers like puppets. Snapdragons endure cool weather and are planted for winter colors in mild-winter areas. Learn more about this winter flower.
The Sunflower is an annual North American flower in many colors. Its tall flowers grow as high as 15 feet. Sunflower seeds are a treat for birds and people. Learn about the sunflower.
Sweet pea is an annual flower grown in cool maritime or mountain climates, and brings its beauty all summer. This vining plant is best in winter and early spring. Learn more about sweet pea.
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Zinnia is an annual flower among the favorite in American garden flowers, loved for its sturdy and colorful blooms. Flowers come in almost every color except blue. Learn more about this flower.
The Agapanthus, Lily of the Nile, is a perennial flower that has gorgeous blue or white florets arranged in large globes for a wonderful addition to the garden. Learn about agapanthus.
Perennial grasses and foliage are an excellent choice for an unusual ground cover. Learn about ornamental perennial grasses and foliage you can use to add interest and beauty to your garden.
By C. Colston Burrell
Herbs are useful for cooking, crafting, and decorating -- boldly coming out of the garden and into your home. Learn more about planting and growing perennial herbs such as lavender and rosemary.
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Dahlia is a diverse annual flower, from huge, dinner-plate-size blooms to midget pompons only two inches in diameter. Dahlias grow from one to five feet tall. Learn more about dahlia.
Evergreen shrubs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with many different types of foliage. Learn how evergreen shrubs such as heather can add year-round beauty to your garden.
Many flowering trees offer all-season interest. Learn about flowering trees, such as dogwood, crape myrtle, and southern magnolia, which add beauty to your landscape.
Most plants do well with an average amount of moisture in the soil -- not too much, not too little. In this article, you'll learn which annuals thrive in average soil.
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While all plants need water, too much water can drown your plants. There are several annuals, however, that will thrive in wet conditions. Learn which annuals can tolerate moist soil.
Annuals under 12 inches work well at the front of gardens and along borders, since they leave the taller plants behind them visible. Learn which annuals stay under 12 inches high.
Annuals come in many heights, and a few grow to over 24 inches. These plants can provide a dramatic touch to your garden. Learn which annuals are taller and grow to over 24 inches high.
One way to liven up a garden is by including colors that stand out. Learn how yellow to orange perennial flowers can brighten your yard, and which ones are right for your garden.
By Shane Wilson
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While many flowers feature bright, vibrant colors, some gardeners prefer a subtler approach. Read about white to green perennial flowers, which have an airy appearance and blend in naturally with the green of most plants.
By Shane Wilson
Many gardens have spots that are shady at least part of the time. The areas that get a mix of light and shade are perfect for planting partial shade annuals. Learn which annuals to use.
When planning a garden, most people mix different annual varieties for diversity in color, texture, and height. Learn about the yellow to orange annual flowers you can use to spice up your garden.
By C. Colston Burrell
Full sun annuals need six to eight hours of sun a day. Learn about annuals by color and light requirements so you can make the best choices for your garden.
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Annuals are primed to germinate quickly when conditions are right, grow speedily, and then make loads of flowers, fruits, roots, and seeds. Learn about red annual flowers to give your garden a touch of fire.
Perennial flowers bloom year after year, without the need to replant. Learn the best perennials to plant in your garden. Read about the different types of perennial flowers, and which ones are best for you.
By Shane Wilson