Ranunculus hits the garden in late winter and early spring with layers of silky petals that look almost too perfect to be real. These quarter-size plants will fill out fast in good soil and honest sun, blooming through April before the heat sets in.

Snip them for arrangements or leave them in the bed—either way, they'll keep going as long as you don't let them dry out. Come February, grab what you need before they're gone.