One of My Favorite Times of Year – Flower Season!

Are there certain times of year that bring you so much joy that you find yourself counting down the days until they arrive? Maybe it’s that first boat ride, smelling the fall leaves, running outside instead of on the treadmill, hitting the slopes … for me, it’s flower planting season! Whether you have a green thumb or are a novice when it comes to planting flowers, I hope these outdoor flower ideas for the summer season will inspire you to try something new!

Living in Minnesota, the start of flower planting season can vary quite a lot based on the weather—it’s not uncommon to have snow well into May! (In fact, here’s a peek at the snow we had just a few weeks ago.)

But when the temperature warms up and the ground thaws, I’m heading out to do some flower shopping and prepping the flower pots for summer!

There’s something so joyful about planting flowers—watching them grow, bloom, and bring a little extra beauty to your day. My mom has always had the most incredible green thumb, and her love for gardening has inspired me for as long as I can remember. And while I may not have inherited all of her plant magic, her passion for outdoor flowers in the summer encourages me to keep trying new things in my own planters and gardens each year. So whether you’re an experienced gardener or someone who just enjoys a cheerful pot of blooms on the porch, I hope these outdoor flower ideas inspire you to try something new—and if you’ve never planted flowers before, maybe this is the year to give it a go!

Perennials I Love Watching Bloom Each Year

It’s so exciting each spring to see the perennial plants start popping through the ground. In fact, I just did a walk around the house and the day lilies and blue salvia are already making their debut! These plants come back stronger and more beautiful each year. Following are a few of my favorites and some photos of them in bloom around the house from last summer:

Annuals That Always Make Me Smile

Annuals are my go-to for filling pots, brightening corners, and adding pops of color everywhere! There are so many to choose from and below are some examples of the types of flower arrangements I like to create for my summer pots. I usually try a few new options each season, but here are the ones I come back to year after year:

• Superbells/Million Bells
• Wave Petunias
• Vinca
• Impatiens
• Double Impatiens (they look like little roses!)

Favorite Flower Pot Filler Plants

Let’s not forget the magic of filler plants—these are the ones that take your planters from pretty to WOW. Here are a few I love to mix in:

• Alyssum
• Potato Vines
• Ageratum
• Lobelia
• Coleus (for both shade & sun!)

Let’s Talk Flower Pots!

Another fun part of flower season? Choosing the pots! I purchased some new wicker ones last year to refresh my setup (see the photo below), but I already have my eye on a few more. There are so many styles to choose from—from modern and minimal to rustic and colorful. They are such a fun way to spruce up your walkways, front porches, decks, you name it!

Here’s a link to some of my favorite finds on Amazon if you’re looking for ideas: Flower Pot Planters.

Let’s Share Outdoor Flower Ideas!

What are your favorite outdoor flowers to plant in spring and summer?
Have any suggestions for perennials I should add to my new garden this year?

I’d love to hear from you—drop a comment, share your garden pics, or let’s swap tips. Because when we share what brings us joy, we all bloom a little brighter. 🌸