It has been hot and dry in NC this year. I planted a few plants here and there, but they didn't do very well. The prettiest flowers I have this year are the cheap ones that came out of a seed package. These were supposed to be multicolored zinnias. They are zinnias, but they are all pink! I was amazed at how fast they sprouted and how quickly they bloomed this year. I have more "from seed" zinnias on one end of the house that barely came up and barely bloomed. (I think I've seen three orange flowers ) These are right beside my driveway where I park my car; and they make me smile everytime I see them. :o)