Annuals are flowers that need to planted new each year.  This may seem like a lot of work but they are very hardy and will provide a lot of color right away.  One of the things I always used to do was to look for the plants with the most flowers already on it.  I was pretty impatient and didn't want to wait.  I have learned over the years that I'm better off choosing ones that haven't opened up yet.  They will generally transplant better and with less shock than an older plant. 

Another thing about annuals is that they are wonderful in hanging baskets and containers, they'll even grow in an old flower pot or coffee can, they really aren't picky and can look beautiful and rustic all at the same time.  Keep them watered and pinch off the spent blooms and they will keep putting on a show for you.

There are cool season flowers like snapdragons, pansies, silver dusty miller, larkspur, violas, and don't forget the forget-me-nots!  They can go into the ground once you can work it and will flower in early spring.  Some warm season annuals would be my favorite which is petunias as well as impatiens, marigolds, geraniums and salvia.  They thrive in the warm weather.  There are also annual vines like morning glories or sweetpeas which look great on a trellis or growing up a fencepost or mailbox post.

I hope this gets you excited about checking out all the different types of plants that are available no matter what climate you live in.  It's just so much fun to watch these wonderful plants bloom with just a little attention from you.  ENJOY!