Gardeners can grow annual or perennial carnations, with lots of flowers throughout the summer, enough for a continuous supply for fresh bouquets. Keep deadheading either type for the longest period of bloom. Most perennial carnations bloom in white, yellow or various shades of red and pink, but the flowers of the new variety 'Velvet and Lace' are a stunning combination of maroon, black and velvety red, outlined in white, with lacy, fringed petals. Carnation flowers also dry nicely for year-round arrangements. Just tie five or so stems in a bunch and hang upside-down for about a week.
Pinks are flowers that have been prized in gardens for centuries.
They earn their name not for their colour, but for the fringed edges of their petals, which look as if they had been trimmed with pinking shears. Different types of these popular perennials range greatly in size, blooming period and flower colour. The variety 'Badenia' is noted for its unusual, rose-red colour and long blooming period. For something truly different, look for the very showy new variety 'Laced Romeo'. Garden pinks are great for rock gardens and mixed flowerbeds, as edging and spilling over the walls of raised beds.