Flower gardens are usually a riot of colour in the spring as many gardeners cannot wait to plant spring flowers.
It seems sad that this lovely spring flush does not last very long in many cases.
The problem is that annuals that give a great burst of colour are chosen, but they fade off quickly when summer comes around - or even before in some cases.
Then it takes several weeks for the replanting process to happen and the summer flowers to start blooming.
When choosing flowers for the garden it is a much better idea to include those that give good value.
Rather than getting a quick splash of colour that is gone just as quickly, choose flowers that bloom throughout spring and summer.
If those flowers also change colour as the flowers age, you will get the benefit of more variety and won't be bored with the same look.
If you choose flowers that also last well in a vase, have a beautiful perfume and have attractive foliage then you can say that they represent really good value for the effort expended in planting and caring for them.
Wall flowers are one such spring flower.
They can be planted at the back of the garden where the sweet clove scent will drift throughout the garden.
Their apricot coloured blooms will gradually change to purple and mauve and when picked will last for around two weeks in the vase.
They also have a long flowering period from autumn through to spring, which makes them great value for that winter garden.
How about a flower that blooms for most of the year? Try the Peruvian lily that lasts for around three weeks in a vase.
Rather than cutting them you should pluck them out of the ground as this will stimulate the plant to grow even more flowers.
Always wear gloves when handling these as they can cause a skin rash.
Scabiosa or pincushion flower, as it is often known as also represents good value.
It is ideal as a companion to roses as its low growth fills in that understory that often looks bare when roses are grown on their own.
Its dense habit helps to keep the mulch in place and the attractive blue, mauve or pink flowers bloom for ages, while also lasting a long time in the vase.
Having flowers inside will make your house attractive and welcoming whether you are having a party or a special dinner, or just enjoying time alone at home.
If those flowers also come from your own garden they will give you a great deal of joy and satisfaction.
Careful planting is required with a good mix of varieties to ensure there is something attractive always blooming in the garden.
Don't rely just on annuals, but also plant perennials and permanent bushes that flower and also have attractive foliage so that they look good even when they are not in flower.
Many shrubs also have berries that make them attractive almost year round.
That is what you can call good value in the garden.