Showing off its large, violet-blue bracts from summer to fall, Annual Sage 'Blue Monday' (Salvia horminum or Salvia viridis) is among the most rewarding plants in the summer garden. Easy to grow, low maintenance, relatively pest and disease free, it attracts butterflies and hummingbirds and blends nicely with any other annuals or perennials for the best effect. Grows vigorously in multi-branched clumps, up to 2 ft. tall (60 cm) and 1 ft. wide (30 cm). Tends to be ignored by deer and rabbits.

Floriferous, Cosmos sulphureus 'Bright Lights' is a half-hardy annual boasting orange to tangerine, semi-double flowers, up to 2-3 in. across (5-7 cm). Blooming for months from early summer to fall, the cheerful blossoms are borne atop tall stems and float above the fresh, fern-like foliage. Fairly pest-free and low maintenance, add this charming plant to the landscape, and you will be rewarded with abundant butterflies. Creating a graceful visual impact in the garden, it is perfect for sunny borders or containers. Excellent as cut flowers.