Tree: Cercis Canadensis is Eastern redbud and it comes in a variety of cultivars. I had several trees at my previous home and they were old, 70 plus years and large 25 feet or more. They were lovely to enjoy each spring as the blooms are densely distributed and attract scores of bees.

One that I am interested in planting at my new home this year is ‘Appalachia' an eastern redbud with special qualities that makes it a good choice for a low maintenance, small shade tree. It reaches 15 to 25 feet tall with a similar spread. It blooms in March-April with Fuchsia pink to red blossoms which attract bees and hummingbirds. It can handle part shade to full sun with medium water requirements and can handle clay soils. It is adapted to handle temperatures in zones 4-9. It also has golden foliage in the fall so a tree with many positive features. They tolerate some shade as the genus has evolved as an understory tree.

There are also weeping redbuds that are smaller and get only about 8-10 feet tall. One is ‘white weeping vanilla' which has white flowers and another two with tradition flower colors are Ruby Falls' and ‘Lavender twist'.

Perennial: Lenten Rose Hellebore x hybrid is an early spring blooming perennial in the buttercup family of Ranunulaceae. Hellebore is a small genus of about 20 species of herbaceous perennials native to Europe and Asia. The species are rarely seen in gardens as they have been hybridized to produce better colors and flowering. Many Lenten roses are hybrids of at least nine species. Mature plants form clumps that are 18 to 24 inches tall and 24 to 30 inches wide with glossy deep green glossy leather-like foliage is variable in color with an umbrella like shape. The leaves are divided into seven to nine segments. The almost woody-like thick stems contain both leaves and terminal flowers. They are reliable low maintenance additions to any landscape and come in a variety markings and colors from purple to pink to white. Following bloom, the flower petals change color and remain on the stem. In our climate, the Lenten Rose does best with afternoon shade and in well drained, fertile soil. Although drought tolerant once established, they do best with consistent moisture. Hellebores have alkaloids in the leaves and seeds, so gardeners who may be sensitive to alkaloids should wear gloves when working with them. The alkaloids make these plants undesirable to deer or rabbits.

Annual:

Zinnia (Zinnia elegans) is a great annual for cut flower gardens. There are several other species as well; but we will deal with the cultivars of this one. It is an easy to grow flower that likes well-drained, rich soil with moderate watering which should be done at the base of the plant as mildew is encouraged by wet foliage. They are also a good addition to the pollinator garden. Zinnias have a wide range of colors from red, orange, yellow, pink, lime green and white. Like Dahlias, if they are cut at 18 inches or less, they will get bushier and produce more flowers. If you like large flowers, Benary's Giant, California Giant, Giant Dahlia, and State Fair will all produce 4-6-inch blooms.

Scabiosa are smaller fringier flowers and the Precious line are more compact plants with 4-inch blooms. You can usually find single colors for sale or a mix of colors. For a look at cultivars of Zinnia see:

 

https://www.johnnyseeds.com/flowers/zinnias/?sz=18&start=18Or: https://www.swallowtailgardenseeds.com/annuals/zinnias.html