Lavender (Lavandula) is such a romantic flower that every gardener sooner or later succumbs to the urge to grow it. Undeterred by the fact that it is a native of the Mediterranean and is most at home in dry, sunny climates.
Although most lavenders are labeled hardy in USDA Zones 5 - 9, while you can grow lavender in USDA Hardiness Zone 5, it is unlikely you will ever have a lavender hedge. More realistically you can expect to have plants that will do well when the weather cooperates and to experience the occasional loss of a plant or two after a severe winter or a wet, humid summer.
Growing snapdragons (Antirrhinum Majus) provides months of color ranging from pale pastels to vibrant reds and oranges. Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, they are a favorite flower for cutting and will blossom all winter in warmer climates.
To encourage the plants to return for a second season of prolific blooms, prune the snapdragons after they finish flowering in spring. Sterilize your sharpened pruning shears by dipping the blades in rubbing alcohol, and snip off all brown, shriveled stems. Also prune all green stems except the main stem to about 2 inches long, just above the closest leaf bud, which is a small bump on the stem. Prune the main stem to about 6 inches above the ground at the closest leaf bud or stem. Sterilize your shears when you've finished. Over the summer, water the plants regularly so that the soil remains just moist.
You can grow petunias from seeds, but it is easier to grow them from transplants. If you are going to grow from seeds, start them indoors 10 to 12 weeks before you want to set them outside. Petunia seeds are very small and needs lots of light in order to germinate. Remember to water them. When the plants have three leaves, you can plant them outside.
Petunias are tolerant of heat so you don’t have to water them regularly. A thorough watering once a week should be sufficient (unless there are prolonged periods of drought in your area). The spreading types and those in containers require more frequent watering though.