Biennials develop their foliage the first year and flowers the second, completing their life cycle in two years. Perennials live year after year. Each has its place with perennials forming the garden's backbone, biennials adding flexibility for changing its character and appearance, and annuals infusing color and beauty. Flower gardens develop in as many ways as one can dream, ranging from formal to cottage style having no discernible plan. A specific garden may provide color for each season, attract wildlife such as butterflies or hummingbirds, become a quiet haven for meditation and rest, or display the pleasure of favorite flowers.
Annual usage includes borders and edgings, foliage, fragrance, fences or cut flowers.
They brighten rock gardens and windowsills. Some thrive in hot sunlight, others in shade, and still others in water. Perennials form wonderful backgrounds for showier annuals, extend groundcover on banks and terraces, and furnish fragrant cut flowers. Some can thrive in any light or soil type. Blooms appear in early summer, midsummer, late summer or early fall.