Edible perennials include blueberries, artichokes, asparagus, rhubarb, fruit trees and vines (grapes, for example), berry plants and woodier herbs such as sage, thyme, rosemary, marjoram and oregano.

Annuals that do well in the high country include pansies, petunias, begonias, alyssum, and hundreds more. These plants are usually used in hanging baskets or in areas where a seasonal splash of ...

Annuals can be planted any time after the last frost in spring—even in the heat of summer to refresh garden beds or pots that have fizzled out. Perennials should be planted in spring or fall.

Because of this, Aul Cervoni notes that annuals bloom for much longer than perennials, sometimes even all season long. They're ideal plants for containers or temporary gardens.

While annuals tend to be colorful and showy, perennials are the workhorses of the garden. Once established, they’ll come back each spring.

Many biennials and perennials are used as annuals. Some of these perennials are actually trees or shrubs from tropical locations. This is especially true for container plantings.

Getty Images 5. Many sunflowers are North American natives, and some of those are perennials. But the Helianthus annuus species, known as common or annual sunflower, is a native annual.

Annuals can be planted any time after the last frost in spring—even in the heat of summer to refresh garden beds or pots that have fizzled out. Perennials should be planted in spring or fall.