A rainbow of color is drenching the aisles of nurseries, garden centers and big-box stores at this time of year. Flowers of every shape, size and color are in bloom.

All a gardener has to do is decide which ones to take home.

Should it be the annuals or perennials? Or how about a mixture of both?

For some of us, perennials are the way to grow. After all, you only have to plant them once, but the flowers and plants re-bloom every year. A dream come true for those of us with less than a green thumb.

Annuals, on the other hand, last only one season. You have to buy new ones and replant them every year.

Umm, why would anyone want to do that?

Well, according to Katherine Thompson with Thompson Garden Center in Savannah, Mo., and Sally Buckner of Moffet Nursery & Garden Shop in St. Joseph, annuals do have their place in the garden, right alongside the perennials.

“It’s not one or the other,” Ms. Buckner says, “It’s both.”

Despite the downside of only lasting one season, annuals do bring a lot of big blooms and bright color to the garden, both Ms. Thompson and Ms. Buckner say.

“If you want fast, showy and pretty, go with annuals,” Ms. Thompson says.

Annuals come in a variety of colors and sizes. If you like small and dainty, you’ll find it. If large and brightly colored is more your style, you’ll find it.

Some of the popular annual choices are vinca, petunias, impatiens and moss roses.

“Geranium is a big one,” Ms. Thompson says.

Whatever annual you decide to purchase, you need to do it soon, the experts say. Annuals do sell out quickly. Nurseries, like Moffet’s, often don’t re-stock annuals through the summer because they’re a one-season wonder.

“The best selection,” Ms. Buckner says, “is going to be from mid-April to mid-May.”

Many people will plant annuals in flower pots or hanging baskets, but they can be planted right in the garden.

“They mix in nicely with your perennials,” Ms. Buckner says.

And because perennials take a little rest between bloomings, annuals will still color your garden while those perennials nap. Annuals, in fact, can add color to your home and garden from spring to fall, the experts say.

But you do have to take care of them.

“They need more babying than a perennial,” Ms. Buckner says.

That includes more watering, because they do get thirsty. And they need protection from the elements, especially cold. HGTV’s “Way to Grow” series recommends on www.hgtv.com that you know the estimated date of the last frost in your area before planting.

“Most annuals will tolerate a frost, but not a freeze,” Ms. Thompson says.

Perennials may be the workhorses of the garden, but annuals, in their guest-starring role, infuse the home and garden with an extra shot of dazzle and color. Even if it’s only for one season.

Lifestyles reporter Cathy Woolridge can be reached at

cathyw@npgco.com