By Lindsey Bever

neighborsgo reporter

Anne Strong worked for the nursery’s previous owners for four years. She fell in love with the place. Now, she and her husband own it. And they’ve been running Strong’s Nursery & GardenCenter for 12 years.

Strong’s list of five best things to plant this season:

1. Pentas: The large, star-cluster flowers love sun but don’t like to be over-watered. Butterflies attracted to Pentas.

2. Periwinkles: They’re very showy flowers. They like full sun and are very drought-tolerant.

3. Esperanzas: The bright yellow, tubular shrubs enjoy the heat and sun. Hummingbirds love Esperanzas.

4. Begonias: It’s an old standby, Strong said. Some types are for sun some for the shade. Water as needed.

5. Lantanas: They come in an assortment of colors – white, purple, red and yellow. They’re drought-tolerant, heavy bloomers. They love the sun. Hummingbirds and butterflies are attracted to Lantanas.

Best Nursery/Landscape Supply: Strong’s Nursery & Garden Center

When: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday

Where: 1900 North Interstate-35 East, Carrollton

Contact: 972-242-7574