Annuals vs. Perennials?! A Garden Truth

The other day, I saw a post on social media that made me laugh out loud:

"If ANNUALS die every year... why do PERENNIALS come back?! Who named these?!"

Fair question, right?! 😂

It does sound a little backward — until you understand the deeper garden magic behind it. So let’s break it down, garden-style 🌼🌿 — because once you get this, it's like a lightbulb goes off in your compost-loving brain.

🌼 Annuals: Here for One Season, One Show, and Done

Annuals are the short-term superstars. They live fast, grow strong, bloom boldly, drop seeds — and then peace out, all in a single growing season.

Think:

☀️ Sunflowers

🎨 Zinnias

🍅 Tomatoes (in most zones)

🌼 Marigolds

🌿 Basil

They’re the ones you plant every year. Yes — they’re supposed to die! That’s a win! They did their job, gave you all the flavor and color, and left behind seeds to keep the cycle going.

Why the name?

“Annual” comes from the Latinannuus, meaning yearly— they complete their whole life cycle in just one year. That’s why you replant them annually.

🌿 Perennials: The Comeback Plants

Perennials are the long-haulers. The slow-and-steady growers. The “plant once, harvest for years” MVPs of any food forest.

Think:

💜 Lavender

🌱 Mint

🪻 Echinacea

🍓 Raspberries

🌿 Asparagus

🍀 Rhubarb

Even if they look dead in winter (they’re just sleeping, promise), their roots are still alive underground — just waiting for the right moment to pop back up again.

Why the name?

“Perennial” comes from the Latinperennis, meaning through the years. They live for many seasons and keep producing with minimal effort.

🌎 Full Circle: Nature’s Rhythm in Action

Understanding the difference between annuals and perennials isn’t just about plant labels — it’s about tuning into how nature works.

🌼 Annuals teach us to live fully, show up boldly, and give everything we've got — even if it’s just for one season. Yes, they’re more hands-on, but the payoff? Worth it.

🌿 Perennials remind us that rest isn’t failure — it’s part of the cycle. They may go quiet for a while, but they're building strength for the seasons ahead. Low effort, big reward.

🌳 In a food forest, we use both:

• Annuals for quick harvests, vibrant colors, and yearly variety

• Perennials for long-term food security, beauty, and ecological balance

  
  

Together, they create a garden that’s productive, resilient, and aligned with nature.

If you’re into gardening, food forests, or just love laughing about plant logic — come join the conversation! We’re building a community that grows together, one season at a time.

👉 Follow us for more: www.foodforestutah.com

📸Instagram & Facebook:@foodforestutah

Let’s dig in, laugh a little, and keep planting seeds — literally and figuratively. 🌱💚