The ice and snow have melted and the temperatures are rising. Spring has finally blossomed.

And gardeners can’t wait to get outside and plant. While many have their favorite flowers and vegetables, there are new varieties to consider. Some are being introduced this year, and others, although introduced in the last year or two, are just now catching the attention of gardeners.

We sampled several local nurseries to find out what blooms and vegetables gardeners may want to take note of this season. Of course, to learn more about what plants would work well in your garden, don’t be shy about asking the advice of nursery, garden center and landscape personnel.

Earl May Nursery

and Garden Center

If you want to plant vegetables, Craig Hayes says you may want to consider the German Giant, a large radish, and the Cool Breeze cucumber, which is seedless and burpless. If you like squash, then try the 8 Ball (“It’s about the size of an 8 ball.”) or the Baby Blue Hubbard. Pumpkin lovers may want to sample the Cinderella Pumpkin.

Want to grow your own popcorn? Then, try the Mini Blue. Carrot lovers, your favorite vegetable doesn’t always have to be orange. The Cosmic Purple Carrot, Mr. Hayes says, features a purple-hued outer skin.

Grass Pad

The Blushing Bride summer hydrangea would make a showy addition to the flower garden.

“It will bloom all summer,” Robin Dailey says.

For a hearty bloom, try Senetti. With its vivid blue color, the flower can tolerate temps down to about 45 degrees, Ms. Dailey says.

For something unique, plant Weeping Cherry, Ms. Dailey suggests.

Hilltop Greens Greenhouse

If you want to plant something that your neighbor probably hasn’t even heard of yet, then go for the Tiki Torch Echinacea, suggests Linda Vannaman. The cone flower features large pumpkin-orange blooms.

If you’re a veggie lover, then try heirloom tomatoes.

“A lot of them look a little strange,” Ms. Vannaman says, “but the old-fashioned tomato taste is there.”

Moffet Nursery Inc.

If you’re an ornamental grass fan, then try Heron Solstice switch grass, suggests Sally Buckner. About 4 feet tall, the grass features blue-green leaves that turn purple in early summer.

“We have high hopes for that one,” Ms. Buckner says.

For a shot of color, try the Raspberry Wine Bee Balm. Like its name implies, the flowers are a raspberry red.

If you’re a rose fan, try the Easy Elegance or Earth Kind shrub roses. The shrub roses don’t require as much care as the hybrid teas do, Ms. Buckner says.

Lifestyles reporter Cathy Woolridge can be reached at cathyw@npgco.com