Flower for what purpose? Trying to decorate for an outdoor wedding or bouquets?

All of your annuals can be overflowing at that time, and it is the peak bloom period of many perennials. In your area, the garden centers will be packed with bedding plants and specimen plants by late February (too early) probably. Wait until early April to begin to plant.

I keep photographic records of what's blooming throughout the year. In May, I had Asiatic lilies, Sweet William (dianthus barbatus), Gerbera daisies, early planted Gladioli, salvia farinacea, Louisiana iris, sweet peas, echinacea, larkspur, hydrangeas, shasta daisies...and the list goes on.

It's an auspicious date. After Mother's day, there should be lots of potted pretties on sale like hydrangeas and lilies and calla lilies. If you can find some that have not bloomed out completely, they'll be just right for the twentieth.

Nell

roses are blooming nicely that time of year.
i always take some home for mother's day and the japanese beetles have not arrived yet to munch on them. :-)