It's time to think about planting some flowers out in the garden. Oh, I know that cold weather isn't quite out of the picture and we will likely have some evenings, and possible days, dipping down into the 30s in the coming weeks. But there is one easy to grow annual that provides lots of color and thrives during the cool spring days. In fact, this little miracle flower can withstand freezes while still remaining in bloom. I'm talking about the pansy, of course.

Pansies are also called violets, although true violets are just one variety of pansy. These three-petaled flowers come in a range of colors but all feature a center “eye” that is a different color than the petals. Pansies grow well in containers, hanging baskets, garden beds and window boxes, all the while requiring little care.

Pansies are a staple at nurseries in the area during these late winter months, but you can also easily start the seeds indoors at home. The seedlings are ready to plant out once they are four to six weeks old. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in a flat, leaving 2 inches of space between each seed. Provide warmth and moisture and you should see germination in less than seven days.

Plant the pansies outdoors any time during the cooler months. Some years pansies even bloom through the entire winter in the Albuquerque area. Space the plants about 6- to 8-inches apart in the beds. They quickly grow and fill in any bald patches.