Flower Gardens as Art

Can't beat 'em - join 'em.

No one would argue that there's nothing in a manmade paint can that could compete with a bank of irises, or a pasture of blooming clover, or the stunning beauty of a lily-covered valley. So, if you can't beat 'em, why not join 'em? Flowers allow garden Picassos to paint their landscapes with a variety of color that could only come from nature's own easel. Below are five of nature's most colorful and easiest-to-grow flowers.

Marigolds are some of the simplest and easiest flowers to grow, and they don't come in just one color. You have your choice of various yellows, reds, and orange colors. Marigolds are delightful flowers and the perfect choice for people with little or no gardening experience.

Gaillardia is an easy-to-grow perennial! Colorful and compact, it's perfect for edges and borders. In addition, it's famous for attracting a variety of colorful butterflies.

Shasta Daisies are ideal for your perennial garden. They're easy to grow from seed, and are long-lived. Cut stems can be placed in food coloring and water to make long-lasting colored cut flowers.

Shirley Poppies have delicate, beautiful, tissue paper flowers that sway in even the lightest breeze. Two-inch spectacular flowers in shades of pink, white, red, and rose. With enough room, plants can get quite large - up to 3 feet in height and width. Easily reseeds for naturalized meadow areas.

Irises are renown worldwide for their color and heavenly fragrance. It's a beautiful, low-maintenance, easy-to-grow flower. Its only demand is well-draining soil to avoid root rot. The soil does not need to be the richest in your yard. Nor does it demand heavy fertilizing.