• These hydrangeas are blooming blue due to acidic soil.Blue hydrangea image by gnohz from Fotolia.com
  
  Gardens are rewarding hobbies that give the belly food and the eye something to look at. Flowers are a critical part of landscaping for any serious gardening. Flowers add pops of color in the mass of green and help to attract wildlife like birds and butterflies to your yard. Growing a variety of flowers will keep your garden bright and your vases full throughout the year; plant showy flowers for the biggest impact.
  
  

Hydrangeas

• Hydrangeas are perennial flowering shrubs with large blooms. These blooms come in nearly any color you can imagine--white, pink, blue and multicolored. According to the Gardener's Network, the pH of the soil will actually change the color of the flowers. For instance, if your flowers are blue, chances are your soil is acidic; if you neutralize your soil, blooms will start to turn white. Alkaline soils produce pinkish blooms. Blooms arrive in summer and will grow up to 10 inches in diameter. Clipping blooms will encourage more.
  
  The hydrangea plant itself can grow over 10 feet but will typically be around 6 feet in size. Hydrangea plants can be in full to partial sun; partial is better in especially warm locations to prevent wilting. Hydrangeas must also be protected from temperatures below 25°F. Add compost and mulch yearly to protect the roots and provide nutrients. These large garden flowers should be watered frequently, but allow the soil to drain.
  
  

Peonies

• These peonies will regrow for many years.peonies image by Vaida from Fotolia.com
  
  Peonies are large blooming flowers that have been grown in gardens for more than 600 years. Individual plant clumps, according to the Garden Helper, can live to be over 50 years old. There are two major types of these hardy flowers--tree peonies and herbaceous peonies. Tree peonies are shrub-like and are more common in shaded areas. The blooms arrive in early spring in hues of red, pink and white.
  
  Peonies prefer full sun, but tree peonies will tolerate partial shade. They should be deep watered but allowed to drain. Fertilizer won't be in high demand, but compost when first planting is important. Peonies are hardy, especially when left in one spot. Prepare the area away from other plants with extensive root systems.
  
  

Sunflowers

• Sunflowers are one of the largest blooms to have in your garden.sunflower image by Stanisa Martinovic from Fotolia.com
  
  Sunflowers are large summer favorites that are harvested for seeds, cooking oil and art projects. Blooms of sunflowers will depend upon the variety; some may only be several inches in diameter while others will be well over a foot in diameter. Sunflowers grow in bright yellow, golden yellow, burnt orange and multi-colors. These plants will often grow to be several feet tall, and can easily grow over 8 feet tall.
  
  Average soil will suffice, but well-drained rich soil is best. Full sun is the most essential thing with sunflowers. Flowers growing in partial shade will be weaker.
  
  To attain seeds, wait for the flower's petals to die off and clip it. Hang them to dry and gently rub flower heads together.