Lawn, Gardening & Pests
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Zinnias
Zinnias are popular flowers for annual gardens as they are easy and quick to grow both from seeds and transplants. Known for their bold colors and long flowering season, zinnias are a member of the aster family and native to Mexico and Central America and will bring beauty to any garden.
As prolific bloomers all season long, they perform well in garden beds, preferring full sun and well-drained soil. After the first frost, zinnias can be planted in ¼ inch deep soil, and later seedlings should be thinned to 6 to 12 inches apart to promote air flow and prevent mildew. Mulching helps maintain moisture and dead heading spent blooms encourages continued flowering throughout the season. Zinnias tolerate drier soil better than overly wet soil.
Wildflowers
An established wildflower meadow can produce bouquets for the table, all while serving as the perfect haven for insects and wildlife. Adding these plots of wispy flowers transforms a manicured lawn into a magical getaway and can reduce time spent on the lawn mower!
The long-term success of a wildflower plot involves careful site selection and preparation. Most wildflower species need at least 6 hours of sunlight each day Ideally, wildflowers should be close to a water source so the planting can be watered until germination, as well as periodically in dry seasons. If possible, avoid soggy soils and areas with difficult-to-eradicate perennial weeds.
Marigolds
A favorite for many, the marigold is a versatile annual flower. There are multiple uses for marigolds. From cut flowers, borders, and companion plants, the options are nearly endless. In fact, there are a few different common types of marigolds that you can select to best fit your gardening needs.
The African marigold (often called giant marigold) has long, sturdy stems and is a great option if you want to grow marigolds for cut flowers. These marigolds are often 3 feet tall. African marigolds have large blooms in a multitude of colors.
Peonies
No matter how you pronounce it, peonies make a stunning addition to any landscape. These hardy perennials feature large, vibrant blooms in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes, with a lovely fragrance to match.
Tulips
The tulip can be found everywhere from farms, fields, and forests in Appalachia. While native to Central Asia and Turkey, they were planted in West Virginia for their flowers in spring.
Tulips are a perennial bulbus flower that grow in a temperate climate, they range from zones 3 to 8. It is a cold hardy flower that can take frost and snow.