An annual is a flower that begins and finishes it's growth cycle all in one year. But since I live in S. California, sometimes they last more than one year. They either grow through the winter, or they reseed themselves and come up new in the spring. Annuals are great if you need instant gratification in your garden or window boxes. And if you are planting a new yard, they will fill in the gaps until your perennials and bulbs and roses get going and have a chance to bloom. Over the years I've had many plants. These are the ones that worked best for me time and time again.

1. Sunflowers My favorite ones are called "Mammoth" but sunflowers come in different colors and different heights. I plant some every year and they get tall enough for people outside my brick walls to see them. I think of them as bright smiling faces. Sunflowers are heliotropic (they face to the sun).

2. Pansies / violas/ johnny-jump-ups: Pansies come in many colors and they cheer me up immediately. They do well in the cooler California days. So they give me color in my flower beds when other things aren't in bloom.

3. Nasturtiums: Edible nasturtiums add color to salads and a bit of a peppery taste. I like the way they amble along and fill in empty spaces with a tumble of blooms.

4. Zinnias: Different heights and flower shapes are available. Easy to grow from seed. Great cut flowers.

5. Cosmos: Feathery leaves covered by flowers in the purple and pink tones. Great backdrop for other shorter plants.

6. Marigolds: Easy to grow from seed. Many colors and shapes, mostly in the oranges and yellows. Not the best smelling flower in the world but helps to chase away bugs. So plant them amid your veggies for color and as a natural bug repellant.

7. Snapdragons: A favorite with kids because when you pinch the flowers they snap their jaws together. Grow from seeds of flats. I love the spikes of flowers that snapdragons have.

8. Lobelia: Little fairy land flowers in shades of purple, white and blue. Available in flats and pony packs, they are great for tucking into empty spots to add a carpet of color.

9. California poppies: Because they are the state flower of CA of course.

10. Ageratum: Another lovely flower in the blue/purple family that is perfect for a low border around the edge of your flower bed or window box. I've always planted it from ponypaks.

 I hope you enjoy the flower photos I have taken over the years. To see more of them, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/almostfamous/sets/72157594219116023/