Some flowers just thrive in summer. They like the sun, don’t ask for much, and still make your yard feel alive. If you're thinking about growing a few blooms this year, you don't need to be a garden expert. You just need the right plants and a little patience. These summer flowers are great choices if you're looking for something easy that still makes a nice impact.

Let’s walk through a few popular picks that can bring some quiet charm to your garden this season.

1. Zinnias

Zinnias are a no-fuss kind of flower, and they also grow fast, bloom often, and come in all sorts of colors. You plant them once and they just keep going, especially if you cut the old flowers off. You can use them to fill out a bed or add a bit of color around a path. They like full sun and don’t mind a bit of heat. If your garden gets strong light, zinnias are a good match.

Even a quick stop at your nearby Valley Stream florist will show how often these flowers show up in summer arrangements—and for good reason. They hold up well and keep their shape.

2. Marigolds

Marigolds are tough, don’t complain much, and they help keep bugs away. Their warm golds and oranges work well in mixed beds, or you can grow them in pots if you’re short on space. Plant them after the last frost and they’ll give you steady blooms through the season. They also mix well with herbs and veggies, which is a bonus if you like a garden that does double duty.

3. Coneflowers (Echinacea)

Coneflowers are another solid pick for summer. They have got a relaxed look that feels just right for this time of year. These blooms are strong and come back every year if the spot suits them. You’ll usually see them in shades of purple or pink, but there are other colors too.

If you live around the Valley Stream, NY area, you’ll spot these flowers lining fences or filling open corners. They don’t take over, but they do hold their ground.

4. Cosmos

Cosmos is the kind of flower that doesn’t ask for much. They grow fast, bloom a lot, and sway in the breeze just enough to catch your eye. These flowers work well in less polished gardens, where things grow a bit more freely. If you’re looking for something light and airy, cosmos is a solid choice. Give them sun, don’t overwater, and they’ll take care of the rest.

5. Black-Eyed Susans

These yellow-and-brown blooms are a summer classic. Black-eyed Susans are one of those plants that just know how to hang on. Once they settle in, they spread a bit on their own and don’t need much care. You can plant them in borders, open spots, or even around trees if the sun gets through. They are not flashy, but they stand tall and don’t get lost among taller plants. And since they bloom late into the season, they help stretch your garden’s color well into fall.

You might even see them used at local Brookville flower shops in bouquets when other summer options start to fade.

6. Sunflowers

Sunflowers are hard to ignore. It is because they are bold. While some people think they only come in giant sizes, there are shorter types too that work better in smaller spaces. Most types grow quickly and do best in full sun. If you have kids or want to try something fun, sunflowers are a great pick. They’re also good for pollinators, and the seeds will bring birds around once the flowers are done.

7. Petunias

These are some of the most common summer flowers, and for good reason. They bloom all season, come in many colors, and grow well in pots, hanging baskets, or garden beds. They do better with regular watering and a bit of trimming now and then, but they’re not hard to manage. If you keep them going, they’ll reward you with non-stop color.

A little planning now can give you a space you’ll enjoy all season. If you are not quite ready to dig into planting, you can still enjoy the season’s best blooms without the dirt. Order fresh, hand-designed bouquets from Central Florist.