Dianthuses originated in northern Africa and have been cultivated for centuries elsewhere.

There are innumerable varieties with double or semi-double flowers -- white, yellow, purple, red marked with white, and many species of pinks. Dianthus are also known as Pinks or Carnations.

The carnation is indentified by their solitary red flowers. The standard for the dianthus plant is that they are perennial. However, the China or India pink is a biennial plant -- that springs one year and flowers and dies the next.

They have a branched stem and solittary velvety-purple or white, purple-spotted flowers.

Globe Amaranthus (latin name: Gomphrena globosa) are also known as gomphrena, stanfaste or bachelor's buttons. They originated in Asia.

Plant them in annual beds and borders or pot them and place outdoors in the sun to partial shade. They do best in hot dry conditions and therefore, should be planted in June or July, in a soil that is organically rich and well drained. The Globe Amaranthus is a hearty plant and will stand up to poor soils, heat and drought, however, for best results they should have an occasional watering.

They grow up to 24 inches with a spread of approx. one foot. They have opposite, oblong leaves that grow approx. 4-6 inches. The blossoms are clover like, blooming in late spring to early fall and come in a variety of colours - lavender, orange, pink, purple (as shown), red or white.

The lily originated in Asia. It's often mentioned in the Bible, representing innocence and purity. Lilies are also identified by the Latin name, Lilium.

The lily has a scaly bulb, a straight stem, and bears alternated lance-shaped leaves. The plant usually has one or several large, delicate looking flowers. The common white lily grows to about one meter. From Japan, the lily has gold strips and very large flowers. You also have the Pomponian lily (shown at right) which is a rich flame red color.

Lobster-claw (Heliconia Rostrata) originated in Peru and Ecuador.

It is an herbaceous perennial with leathery, darkgreen leaves which are borne on long petioles arising directlyfrom the ground. It has 8-13cm (3-5ft) tall stems terminated by a drooping inflorescence. The flowers hang in clusters that emerge from second year stalks. They are enclosed by scarlet and yellow colored bracts that are 15-20cm (6-8in) long.

The idea condition for best growth is bright shade with good moisture in the air and in the soil. The mature plant normally starts to flower in the summer. The flowers last a long time and make an excellent cut flower.

Marigolds originated in Mediterranean Europe where it grows in fields and vineyards. They are also identified by their Latin name Calendula.

They are easily identified by their very bright orange-yellow solitary color

They need a light soil and warm exposure, and are renewed every month even during the winter (mild winter).

The Desert Rose (latin name: Adenium obesum) is native to arid areas of Africa including Madagascar, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. It is also commonly cultivated in humid tropical areas such as Thailand, India and The Philippines.

Obesum refers to the large fat (hence its' name) base of the flower.

The flower is tubular with flared lips and comes in different shades of pink (as shown) or red that flower nearly all year. The branches are thick and fleshy; the leaves glossy green and deciduous.

The Desert Rose responds best in full sun outdoors and should be placed in a pot that permits adequate drainage. They can also be placed in-doors in a sunny area. They live for many years and are easy to take care of. The Desert Rose require little water during the winter months, however once flowers start blooming, water more often. Also, at this time start feeding the plant with liquid fertilizer applications (half strength 20/20/20) or fish emulsion.

Dianthuses originated in northern Africa and have been cultivated for centuries elsewhere.

There are innumerable varieties with double or semi-double flowers -- white, yellow, purple, red marked with white, and many species of pinks. Dianthus are also known as Pinks or Carnations.

The carnation is indentified by their solitary red flowers. The standard for the dianthus plant is that they are perennial. However, the China or India pink is a biennial plant -- that springs one year and flowers and dies the next.

They have a branched stem and solittary velvety-purple or white, purple-spotted flowers.