Marigold

When it blooms: Spring to fall

These hardy flowers will take anything you throw at them: They're pest and disease-resistant, drought-tolerant and not tasty to rodents. They'll even survive a light frost!

Planting marigolds is like planting sunshine! These super-cheerful annual flowers are a snap to grow, offering nonstop bloom all summer long. The plants are virtually insect and disease free and come in a variety of flower types and heights. Taller African marigolds can grow 3 feet high and look amazing planted in beds by themselves or mixed with zinnias. Dwarf, compact French varieties grow about a foot tall, making them perfect for the edge of your flower bed or in pots and planters. Colors include yellow, orange, white, red or bi-color. The plants are highly prized by butterflies who feast on the nectar-rich blooms.

Marigolds are often planted in or around vegetable gardens to repel pests such as rabbits. While there's no scientific evidence saying this helps, marigolds do dress up an otherwise bland vegetable garden. And the bees, butterflies, and other pollinators they attract can help you get more yield from your vegetables.