• This is an excellent time to plant annuals.  Now that the cold nights are over all annual flowers can be safely planted.  Although old favorites like begonias, marigolds, petunias, impatiens and periwinkles are nice, there are many newer, unusual and interesting plants to try.  Try mexican heather or the new Wave® petunia  
• Melampodium, with its yellow flowers take full hot summer sun; neirembergia, comes in white and blue flowers all summer long; torenia, clown mix has beautiful bi-color flowers either in blues, reds and whites.  Lantana loves hot weather, comes in yellow, purple, red and white flowers.  Nicotiana, flowering tobacco has red, yellow or white flowers.  Also try heliotrope, the flowers are a beautiful cluster of small purple blooms. 

• Perennials also should be planted now.  Remember these plants only need to be planted once and will re-emerge each and every year.  However, it should be noted that perennials do not typically bloom as long as annuals.  Perennials will usually be a spring, summer or fall bloomer.  Favorites include clematis, gaillardia (indian blanket flower), foxglove, shasta daisies, monarda (bee balm), carnations, bleeding hearts and columbine, balloon flower, and perennial verbena just to name a few. 

• Caladiums and elephant ears can be planted once the soil temperatures have increased to about 70⁰ . Remember, these beauties like the shade.  

• May is also a good time to plant ornamental trees and shrubs in your landscape.   Be sure to work organic matter into your soil and apply a 2" layer of mulch to the surface.  Boxwoods, hollies, yews and nandinas are all  good shrubs to plant.  Flowering cherries, chinese pistache, golden rain tree and autumn purple ash are a few great trees to try. Try out the 2001 Perennial Plant Association's plant of the year; Karl Foerster.  It's one of the best ornamental grasses around, and also has great winter interest. Or try the new Blue Muffin Viburnum or Diablo Ninebark shrub.  Roses are a great garden addition. 

For More Information See Our Publication: Warm Season Grasses