When I first started gardening, I found myself wondering why people would waste money on annuals that only last one season or have to be brought indoors during the winter.  Being of a practical mind, it seemed very much like throwing away money to me, something that should be abhorred in our wasteful society. 

Now, many years later, I have overcome at least a little of my practical side and realized the value in things of beauty.  While physical items cannot bring us happiness, the beauty and soothing powers of flowers cannot be denied.  There is something so powerfully relaxing and invigorating about surrounding yourself with the beauty of nature, and little performs better than the humble annual group of plants.

Annuals may only last one season in most of our growing climates, but what they do in that short season is what makes them special.  Like our lives, so brief in the scheme of things, annuals have a short time to do what perennials have years to accomplish – wow us with their beauty.

Compared to many perennial plants, annuals provide color, texture and beauty that is unsurpassed, and they do it so much faster than plants that come back year after year.  The broad, soft petals of a brilliant colored petunia have no rival in the world of perennials.

So while they only last one season, they take full advantage of the time they are here to provide us with beauty that can only be found in nature.  These days, I am glad to throw my money away on annuals, knowing I get so much more in return.