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!

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.