Marigolds are an amazing flower whether or not you have a green thumb. They’re one of the summer flowers that are easy to grow, are pretty, and attract butterflies. You can plant the seeds in the garden once the risk of frost is over. Alternatively, you can start them inside and move them outdoors once frost is gone. For detailed growing tips and variety selection, consult The Old Farmer's Almanac Marigold Guide.

Zinnias are another easy flower to grow. They come in amazingly lively colors, are drought-tolerant, and attract butterflies. You can plant your zinnias around the same time you plant your marigolds. Check out the Royal Horticultural Society Zinnia Guide for advice on maximizing bloom longevity.

That’s right. Lavender isn’t just the scent of your favorite body wash. The calming aroma and beautiful blooms are a great addition to any garden. Plant them in soil with good drainage and where they’ll get full sunlight. Planters next to your front or back doors (or balcony, if you’re an apartment dweller) are perfect. If you are also interested in hardy perennials like daisies, lavender fits right in alongside them. Learn more about soil preparation from the University of Minnesota Extension Lavender Care Guide.

Sunflowers are a staple in my garden. They’re cheerful, easy to grow, and help the (sadly dwindling) bee population. You can even harvest the seeds to eat if you want to! Plant them after the frost is gone for good. Sunflowers thrive in bright spots alongside other sun-loving plants like lavender. For harvesting techniques, see the Farmers' Almanac Sunflower Guide.

Another cheerful flower, daisies make a great addition to any garden. Start seeds indoors now or purchase the already started plants and put them in a sunny spot in your garden. These are perennials, so they’ll come back next year.