Self-Seeding Annuals

As I looked at my compost bin during this harvest season, I couldn't help but feel gratitude toward this year's volunteers. By saying, "volunteers," I do not mean to imply that people volunteered their services this year to improve the compost on my property! No, when plant-lovers use the word, they are referring to annual flowers and vegetables that pop up and produce without the aid of human hands. Squash, gourd, potato and tomato plants are just some of the volunteers that have sprung up in my compost bins over the years. In this article, Marie Iannotti, About's Gardening Guide, lists some self-seeding annuals -- flowers that may "self-sow and weave their way through your garden year after year."

_{Gloriosa daisy picture ©2007 David Beaulieu (licensed to About.com)}