Will the flowers last?

I planted some annual flowers in pots this year--my first attempt at gardening. What happens after they stop blooming? Will they come back next year? Should I do something with them to protect them over the winter? Any advice would be great.

Dear Gardener,

If you planted annuals then they will only bloom for one summer then they will die off over the seasons pretty fast acctually. I wouldnt even bother to try and protect them. All you have to do is buy more annuals next spring and you should keep that cycle going.

I would buy a book that talks about perennials. These will keep coming back each year and the book can tell you what region of the United States they are best suited for. Some will show you pictures of the flowering plants so you know what you want.

Sometimes you can take the Annuals in the house if they are in pots. Water them and take care of them, then put them back out in the summer. Why not plant all Perennials in your yard. There are many varities and they come up every year and some of them even spread. Perennials don't need any special care. My Perennials start blooming the 1st week in March and bloom until the middle of December. When one quits blooming another takes it's place. You can also save money planting Perennials. With Annuals you have to plant them every year.