Unlike a short-lived bouquet of flowers, annuals keep on blooming all summer long. Or, in the case of certain perennial plants, like Shasta daisies, mom can pick many bouquets from these plants not only this year, but for many years to come.

Containers full of annuals come pre-planted either to hang or set on the porch or patio-or you can create a custom combo using mom’s favorite plants and colors. Whatever you select, make sure the group of plants works well with the sun or shade of mom’s patio or porch. Some plants like impatiens and dragon-wing begonias need the cool of the shade to thrive. Most of the common annuals – petunias, geranium, marigolds, sweet potato vine – are primarily sun loving but will still thrive with some shade.

Every spring, growers introduce new looks and styles in annuals and the selection is best around Mother’s Day. Mixed with tried and true favorites, these newbies give an updated look to containers and beds.

Here are three new plants to look for this year:

• Petunia Surprise Orange Twist. Its color is tangerine – the 2012 Color of the Year! This could be a pleaser for fashionista moms.
• A new geranium is Cumbanita Deep Rose. It works well as a stand-alone color statement or with softer shades of pink and white.
• Osteosperumum 3D Silver is another new variety whose silvery sheen will mix well in many combinations.

For moms who like to cook, consider a very practical gift of an edible plant combo with her favorite flavors:

• Give her basil and tomato plants that are well suited as companion plants when placed close together in the garden, not to mention in the pasta sauce.
• Make a salsa garden with cilantro, tomatoes, chives and tomatillos and plant it up in a bright south-of-the border container.
• Does she like tea? Get one of the tea-cup planters that are so popular and fill it with different types of mint, like chocolate, orange and peppermint and sweeten the mix with a stevia plant.

Does your mom complain she never has enough time? Give her a little container planted with THYME and add your own gift card that says you’ll do one of her least favorite and time-consuming chores. She’ll love the gift of thyme and time.

Information courtesy Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado – sponsors of the 9NEWS Kitchen Garden and the 9NEWS Water Wise Garden. For help with your landscape needs, go to www.alcc.com and click on Find a Pro.

Channel 9 Early Spring Plants- ALCC & Hardy Boy

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Colorado-Garden—Home-Show.html?soid=1105007951505&aid=kdn3pOZ6RI0.

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Get-Inspired-at-the–Hardy-Boy-Carnival-of-Color-.html?soid=1105007951505&aid=tpeb_RFWo08.

Time Lapse Blooming Flowers

http://www.9news.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=1163977422001

Watch our how to video:  http://youtu.be/3c8BLQWF3xo  Learn what to plant for great fall and spring color. Debi Borden-Miller from Hardy Boy Plant takes your through many great fall planting options such as: pansies, violas, flowering cabbage & kale, sedum, ornamental grasses, heuchera, and garden mums.

This summer’s “Flower Fest” also known as, Hardy Boy Summer Flower Trials, were very successful.  We had approximately 300 people attend and vote on Tuesday evening, August 2.  Our voters enjoyed beer, wine & cheese while they chose their favorite new plant varieties.  We are working hard to count the votes to find the winners for 2011.  Many retail garden centers across the front range will have a sample of the trials and anyone is able to vote for their favorites, your vote will help us select what will be new in your garden next year.  Find a garden center near you hosting a trial garden event click here.Visit our photo gallery of the event on facebook click here.