Darn You, Plumeria!

I have waited two years for my plumeria to flower.  I was afraid I was doing something really wrong because although the leaves stayed shiny and green, the darn thing just never bloomed.  I researched online, read garden blogs, and scoured forums online that would give me a clue as to when my plumeria would finally bloom.  All sources assured and reassured me that plumerias indeed take a long time to bloom.  So here it is, two years later, and it has beautiful and very fragrant flowers.  But guess what?  Well, I'm not really liking this plant anymore.  I wasn't even as excited as I thought I'd be when I saw the flowers blossoming.  I realized that I only kept it all this time because I didn't want to fail as a gardener.  I didn't want to give up on this plant before it ever bloomed.  I didn't want a bruised ego.  I just wanted to taste the sweet success and victory of knowing that hell yes, I have grown a healthy and flowering plumeria.  I had the patience to wait it out.  Hell yeah, I did.  Except now I don't know what to do with it.  Do I keep it because I worked so hard to get it to bloom?  Or do I give it away?  Replant it elsewhere?  I can't decide, and anyway, at this moment it has other buds ready to flower.  I'll keep it for the summer, and hopefully know it's fate when fall arrives.

More about to flower! Yet, I don't care as much as I thought I would.

Tiny buds waiting to grow some more.  I wish I felt more excitement and love for this plant.

Easy Flower Seeds for Beginners

Many beginning gardeners want a show of beautiful colors in their yards. However, intimidation can set in once you reach the huge selection of seed packets at the retail store. This list should make your visit to the seed packet aisle a breeze.

1. Zinnia: This easy-to-grow annual (only lives for one blooming season) comes in a variety of colors and sizes. Zinnia petals also come in single, semi-double, and double. Zinnia is fast-growing (germinates within 7 days) and sun-loving. Its cheerful look will brighten up any flower bed and container. Try the smaller "Thumbelina Mix" in the front of your flower beds. The tall "California Giant" will add interest in the back. Flowers come in red, yellow, pink, orange, and even green and purple. The "Envy" variety is a cool lime green. Zinnia also come in mixed colors, such as the "Peppermint Stick Mix" and "Queen Red Lime." For a fluffier texture, try the "Cactus Mix."

2. Cosmos: This is another fast-growing and easy-to-grow annual that loves full sun. Cosmos germinates within 7 days. This plant gives a light and airy feel to gardens. They have feathery foliage and flowers that are available in pastel shades to scarlet hues. Cosmos can grow up to 4 feet tall. For a unique look, try the "Seashells Mix."

3. Marigolds: This annual comes in the warm colors of yellow, orange, and red and orange. A cream-colored types also exist. The French and African varieties are very popular, but no matter what you choose, these pest-repelling flowers will bloom all spring and summer. Marigolds look great in flower beds and containers. The seeds germinate within 14 days.

4. Dianthus: Anything in the Dianthus family is very easy to grow, including the Carnation, Sweet William, and Pinks. Whether you choose an annual or a perennial (lives for several blooming seasons) will bloom repeatedly, especially when dead flowers are pinched off regularly. Depending on the variety, germination can take anywhere between 5 days and 3 weeks. Dianthus come in white, as well as shades of pink, from a light baby pink to deep hues of magenta. Many also come in a combination of white and pink or white and magenta. Petals are described as single or double, depending on the variety of dianthus.

5. Sunflowers: Nothing represents summertime quite like the beloved Sunflower. If well-cared for, these hardy plants bloom into Fall. Although there are many types of Sunflowers, you can pretty much choose any one and it will be easy to grow. The "Mammoth" will take a long time to reach its 12-foot height, but its massive flower will be worth it. For a more distinctive look, try the "Teddy Bear" variety. It's fluffy flower head will make you smile. Whether you choose an annual or perennial type, most varieties will germinate within two weeks, but they may not bloom or reach their full height for several weeks.

Other seeds for first-time gardeners to try growing are Impatiens (great for shady areas), Columbine, Daisies, Nasturtiums, and Sweet Peas.

Always read the information on the seed packet, and plant according to instructions. Keep in mind the amount of shade or sun your garden or container offers. Look at the amount of watering and maintenance the plant needs, and compare it to the amount of time and effort you are willing to commit to gardening. Growing plants from seed is a rewarding experience. When those flowers start to bud and bloom, the work you put in will be worth it! 

My Colorful Drought-Tolerant Plants

My small yard is a little piece of heaven in my eyes. I plant flowers, herbs, and succulents because I love seeing the color all year round. As a gardener, I feel very lucky to be living in Southern California (USDA Hardiness Zone 8B) because the weather allows me to have lots of color for longer periods of time. However, the warm weather easily turns into extreme heat, so along with my water-loving hydrangeas, dahlias, and impatiens, I have a slew of colorful, drought-tolerant flowering plants to save water. My five favorites are listed below. I've had all of the plants on this list for about two years now, and they're all healthy and flowering beautifully.

Lantana - Lantana is a very common drought-tolerant shrub in warmer climates. I have two in my yard, and I especially enjoy their bicolored flowers. Lantana can be trimmed into any shape as a bush, but I'm training mine into trees. It is a plant that can reach tall heights, so it can be a colorful backdrop for your shorter plants. Garden Guides explains that Lantana " requires very little water to flourish. It is a popular plant for xeriscapes. When first planting lantana, keep it moderately moist, but once established, yearly rainfall is usually enough to maintain the plant."

Moss Rose - According to The Gardener's Network , "I f you live in a area of heat and drought, you will love growing Moss Rose. Also commonly called Portulaca [Grandiflora], this tough, yet pretty little plant, needs little moisture to thrive and bloom. It grows well in mid-summer's heat, too." The Moss Rose that I've planted have bloomed flowers in many colors. The flowers are small, double blooms, and this flowering plant is easy to propagate via cuttings. The drought-tolerant Moss Rose also works well as a ground cover where there is no foot traffic.

Gazania - Better Homes and Gardens describes Gazania as a " tough plant [that] endures poor soil, baked conditions, and drought beautifully and still produces bold-color, daisylike flowers from summer to frost." In my yard, I have these drought-tolerant plants in lovely orange and purple varieties grown as perennials, since I live in Southern California. They are planted in front of taller plants because these don't get taller than a foot.

Yarrow - A great cutting flower, the drought-tolerant Yarrow comes in a variety of colors. I especially like the cheerfulness of the yellow Moonshine Yarrow. I have my Moonshines planted behind short plants, as it grows 1-3 feet tall. According to High Country Gardens, Yarrow "is well suited to wildflower gardens and is drought resistant. Yarrow makes excellent cut or dried arrangements. Yarrow has excellent resistance to browsing deer and rabbits."

Salvia - Also known as sage, this beautiful flowering plant comes in a variety of species that have flowers in blue, purple, fuchsia, and red. Organic Gardening says of Salvia that "most species are tough and extremely drought-tolerant." I have Salvia in red and blue-violet. My red ones grow to about a foot tall, while the blue-violet is about 3 feet tall. I am able to grow mine as perennials, and they grow so well in my zone that I do trim the red ones twice a year and divide the blue-violet once every year.

I suggest you give these five colorful beauties a try because not only are they drought-tolerant, but they are easy to grow and care for.