• Flowers can cheer up any outside feature, be it a deck, patio or yard. With thousands of varieties to choose from, growers have their pick of color, size and scent. They easily work as a stand-alone attraction or can be incorporated with other plants. Flowers can either be grown in containers or in the ground, although many types flourish in both. Care should be taken to grow flowers in suitable climates and in conditions that they like; some flowers enjoy full sun while others require shade, some need more water than others, and soil type can also be a factor, for instance.
  
  

Bulbs

• Flowers that grow from bulbs are some of the first that emerge in the spring. These perennials are usually planted in the fall and serve as harbingers to the growing season in climates that have cold winters. Some hardy bulbs include tulips, crocuses, fragrant hyacinths and daffodils, and come in vibrant colors. They are often grown as borders in gardens that feature plants that emerge from the soil later and are easily transplantable.
  
  

Trees

• Many tree varieties, along with being known for sporting eye-catching fall foliage, also flower. Although tree flowering is usually brief, the blossoms are so attractive and scented that many cities plan festivals that celebrate the event. Fruit-bearing trees, like apple and pear, have pale, flat flowers that mimic snow. Dogwood trees come in shades of cream and pink. Crabapple trees, with their dense flower clusters, have red to bright pink buds that bloom and fade to lighter pink. Redbud trees also offer a bright spring flowering option, as do tulip and hawthorn trees.
  
  

Annuals

• Annuals are flowers with a one-year life cycle. They are suitable to growers who like to change their scenery each year. Nurseries and greenhouses sell many annuals that are hardy to those particular regions and easy to care for. According to Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, most prefer well-drained soil and full sun, although some like more shade. Some popular annuals include yellow and orange marigolds, petunias of various colors, pink and orange cosmos and pale blue Forget-me-nots.
  
  

Perennials

• Many herbaceous perennial flowers grow and flower for several years, according to the North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension Service. Gardeners like perennials because they do not have to be planted every year, thereby saving money. They enjoy growing in sunny sites and well-drained soil. Examples of perennial flowers include black-eyed Susans, Columbine, daisies, chrysanthemums (or mums) and bleeding hearts.
  
  

Shrubs

• Flowering shrubs offer a good contrast to traditional flowers and trees, blooming each year. Like trees, some have beautiful fall foliage, too. Butterfly bush comes in several colors and attracts butterflies; crape myrtles have large, feathery blooms; sweet-scented roses come in a variety of sizes and colors; and lilacs are also perennial favorites.