Petunias are a garden essential in sunny spots in gardens and bright verandahs or balconies. Petunias are available in a wide colour selection or choose a professionally blended mix to suit your favourite colour scheme. Once established Petunias are tolerant of low water conditions - a perfect selection for long Australian summers. Impatiens are renown for brilliant colour in shady areas, a fabulous choice to brighten up dark corners. Colours of impatiens range from pure white and pastel lavender and pink, to hot colours like shimmering orange, rasberry or perhaps deep burgundy. Your favourite Impatiens can also be planted in sunny areas where they will form a low border of vibrant colour. Marigolds add brilliant golds to garden beds and pots. Whilst they thrive in hot conditions, Marigolds benefit from mulching as they have shallow root systems and easily dry out. Plant Marigolds as companion plants with tomatoes and capsicum. They deter pests and brighten the vegie patch with happy creams, yellow or oranges. For hot spots in the garden remember colourful Portulacas, Zinnias and Vincas thrive in hot summer conditions.