Low-maintenance and resistant to pests and diseases, marigolds are the ultimate flowering plant for beginners. The flowers come in various warm colours, are easy to grow from seed, and thrive in full sun. As a bonus, they're also great for attracting insects beneficial to the garden.

These hardy plants need regular watering and tolerate a wide range of soil conditions but prefer full sun. Pinch back the plants when they're young to promote bushier growth and deadhead the profuse flowers to encourage even more blooms. 

Don't miss: Tips for Creating Good Feng Shui in Your Garden

The delicate petals and pretty colours of cosmos belie their toughness. Grown easily from seeds, these flowers prefer well-draining soil but are hardy enough to survive in poor soil conditions and drought conditions.

In lovely white, pink, red and purple colours, they're great for attracting butterflies and pollinators to the garden. Do remember to deadhead the flowers to encourage more blooms.

Read more: Cherry blossoms in Japan: 5 lesser-known spots to see sakura

Sunflowers are a great choice if you need some height in your garden. Beloved for their bright yellow petals and tall, elegant stems, they also come in bushier varieties better suited to container gardening. 

Easy to grow and low-maintenance, they do, however, require regular watering, especially during dry spells. They thrive in various soil types and need support for taller stalks, such as a stake or trellis.

See also: Spice World: Inside a Gorgeous Glass House That Plant Lovers Should Travel to

Resistant to drought and pests, zinnias have distinctive pom-pom-like flowers which come in an array of striking hues. From pink and red to orange and purple, these resilient flowers are a perfect way to add a burst of colour to your flower beds. 

Zinnias grow easily sowed directly on the ground or if you prefer, start them indoors and transplant them once they've sprouted. Since they're resistant to drought, these flowers are great for anyone who isn't good at sticking to watering schedules. However, they do best when where they receive at least eight hours of sun, so consider this when deciding where in your garden to plant them. 

Don't miss: Mood Board: How Raphael Navot Draws Inspiration From Nature and Craft Traditions

The exotic bird of paradise is named for the flower's resemblance to the famous bird, but its fleshy and waxy leaves also add an architectural dimension to any garden. Primarily found in orange, they also come in white and white with hints of blue.

Happy to grow in full sun or part shade, the plant manages different soil types but is best in fertile, well-drained soil with lots of organic matter. Something to note is to shelter your plants from the wind as they may snap and break.

Read more: Home tour: An architect's home in Kuala Lumpur with an introverted approach

The fragrant jasmine is easy to grow and propagate and can be trained as a hedge or a vertical garden. A fan of full sun, it can grow well in light shade too. Just make sure it gets at least six hours of sunlight a day.

Soil needs to be well-drained and porous soil with a pH between 6.1 and 7.5. Using some peat, bark, and similar material can help but is not essential. However, do plant it in a sheltered position and don't neglect it even though it is so easy to grow.

NOW READ

Home tour: A modern tropical annexe in Kuala Lumpur designed for an evolving lifestyle

Meet the Malaysian architect crafting beautiful structures from bamboo

Home tour: Step inside a lakehouse-inspired haven in Mid-Levels, Hong Kong