Many flowers can be started in October from seed or young starts purchased at your local nursery. The table accompanying this article lists many of the annual and perennial flowers you can choose from now. Some of these will flower this winter, while others will grow now and flower next spring and summer. Annuals are plants which complete a lifecycle in one growing season, giving a long season of color before they are replaced. Sweet peas are an example.
Chrysanthemums are a familiar example.
Combining annual and perennial flowers gives the most color impact over the longest season. Be sure to shop early for spring-blooming flower bulbs such as Daffodils, Freesias, Tulips, and more. Many types spread freely in the garden, requiring little care after planting, and bloom for years. Cooler nights are bringing the end of the summer vegetable garden, and it is time to start putting in winter vegetables. Our mild winters allow us to grow edible plants all year.