“Designing with colorful, low-maintenance plants that bloom year round is one of my greatest pleasures,” says Susan Olinger, president of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers.

For the average person that’s not as simple as it sounds, but coming this spring, it will be easy to add plenty of “flower power” to any garden, patio or balcony with new Bloomtastic! flowers and plants from Hines Growers.

These easy, low-maintenance flowers have been handpicked to provide rich color and gorgeous blooms that turn ordinary yards into show-stopping gardens from spring to late fall.

Check out these tips from garden pros for eye-popping color and abundant blooms spring through fall.

The Right Plant for the Right Spot
Too often we’re seduced by pretty plants at a garden center, only to find it withers and dies when we plant it in our garden.

“You’ll have greater success if you know what plants work best in your yard’s conditions,” says Justin Hancock, garden editor for Better Homes and Gardens online. “Know how much sun, soil and water the plant needs and make sure it can handle the heat and cold in your area before you buy it.”

Lack of rain can ruin a garden. Plants like new Agapanthus Summer Sky and a new Black Hawaiian Spider Lily called Crinum Purple Dream can handle drought conditions once established.

If you have deer, choose plants they don’t eat like Agapanthus Summer Sky. This airy plant with striking blue flowers and variegated foliage is perfect for containers, English gardens or mass plantings throughout your landscape.

Design for Continuous Garden Interest
When designing your garden, don’t buy plants that bloom at the same time. Instead, Hancock suggests you add plants that bloom in spring, summer and autumn. “Look for long-blooming plants to be the backbone of your garden design.”

Decorate your patio, deck or garden with spring and early summer bloomers like the new Bambino bougainvillea in eight dazzling colors with unique foliage. Then turn up the color wattage for summer and fall with the new Hibiscus Bahama Bay Amazon Queen. Its deep orange tones add tropical punch to any patio or yard.

Create Drama with Foliage
“Don’t forget how powerful foliage can be,” says Hancock. Many plants have different colors in their leaves and can show off brilliant color in a small garden or in containers.

“Plants with deep purple leaves are important in garden design because they look good all season long,” Hancock adds. Purple Dream’s leaves look almost black when grown in full sun and are dramatic against its showy pink flowers.

Make your Garden Nature Friendly
Flowers that attract hummingbirds, butterflies or song birds are good for wildlife and add extra interest beyond their beautiful blooms.

A new dwarf butterfly bush, Lavender Veil, grows low to the ground and is covered with fragrant flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies well into fall. “This new butterfly bush is perfect for hanging baskets or containers and drapes any landscape in a sea of purple,” says Hancock, who recommends mass planting three to five of the compact butterfly bush for vivid flower power.

With a little planning and the right plants, you can transform your garden from winter doldrums to a vibrant garden paradise with little maintenance.

For more information on the new Bloomtastic! plants, visit www.hineshort.com.

The post Easy-Blooming Flower Power for Any Size Garden first appeared on The How Do Gardener.

Route 7 (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont)
Prime Time: mid-September through early October

“Vermont gets all the fall foliage glory, but southern New England has its fair share of blazing hillsides and quaint roadside towns,” says Pieter van Noordennen, editor of travel advice site Away.com and a Connecticut native. U.S. Route 7 runs 308 miles from Norwalk, Conn., to Highgate, Vt., passing through the Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts and Connecticut, and continuing to the Green Mountains in Vermont. Fifty percent of the trees in this area are red and sugar maples, creating the scarlet red and warm orange glow that is legendary in these parts. These spots are no doubt a mecca for serious leaf-peepers. Make a weekend of it with a bed and breakfast in Middlebury or a camping spot at Kent Falls State Park. And if you need a break from snapping leaf pictures, head to Waterbury, Vt., for a yummy tour of the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory. Route 7 was not unscathed by Hurricane Irene. But the damage is isolated to a few sections in Vermont, and detours are in place. Besides, doesn’t taking a detour every now and then make for a good adventure? Call (800) VERMONT if you have questions about Route 7.

Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee)
Prime Time: mid- to late-October

The Blue Ridge Parkway starts in Shenandoah National Park and winds 469 miles through western North Carolina to the Great Smoky Mountains in eastern Tennessee. The ups and downs along this parkway range from 650 feet to over 6,000 feet, with leaf color peaking at the higher elevations first. You will find a brilliant canvas created by the deep red dogwoods, the bright yellow hickories, and the vivid orange sassafras. Orbitz recently launched an iPad app that makes booking hotels on the go easy, so you don’t have to plan too far ahead. So make pit-stops along the way in the “Blue Ridge Capital” of Roanoke, Va., hippy-chic Asheville, N.C., and the spectacle that is Gatlinburg, Tenn.

Natchez Trace Parkway (Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi)
Prime Time: mid- to late-October

The Deep South breathes a collective sigh of relief as the blistering summer heat gives way to pleasant fall temperatures, and lovely foliage to go along with it. The Natchez Trace Parkway begins in Natchez, Miss., and stretches a little over 440 miles to Nashville, Tenn. In late October you will see the maples, oaks, and other hardwood trees showing off their vibrant red, yellows, oranges, and purples.  And leaves aren’t the only attraction. Hiking and biking trails dot the way, as do historic sites and charming craft centers, inviting you to park the car and stretch your legs. Camping is a budget-friendly option for a multi-day trip, or you can detour off the track for a comfortable hotel room.

Yosemite (California)
Prime Time: mid- to late-October

Yosemite is a beautiful park year-round, but visit in October and you’ll see the maples, oaks, and dogwoods boasting their color among the evergreens. Yellow is the favorite fall color of these deciduous trees, with some red and orange splashed in. Near the Yosemite Chapel, check out the non-native sugar maple that turns a bright red; there are several short walks and stops along the way where you can get great leaf photos. To make the drive more than just a day trip, roll into little towns like Mariposa and get a restful night’s sleep at the adorable bed and breakfasts.

If you need a dose of closer-to-home fall foliage, GORP.com’s interactive fall color map shows peak seasons around the country.

The post Great American Road Trips for Fall Foliage first appeared on The How Do Gardener.