Zinnias (seen in the foreground of the photo above and in the photo to the left) are known for both their vibrant array of colors (only true blue is lacking) and for being easy to grow. If situated in well-drained soil and exposed to full sun, they usually reach blooming size in just six weeks. Deadheading through summer will help the plant to bloom through early fall.

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) (seen in the background of the above photo) is a garden workhorse that thrives under the same conditions while providing an additional burst of color to the garden.