Marigolds are some of the most hardy, easiest flowers to care for, they grow well in gardens or containers. The bright yellow blooms of the many kinds of marigold are good at attracting hoverflies, bees and butterflies and the strong scent of the French Marigold types is said to deter nematodes. They will grow in almost any kind of soil, are easy to save seed from and often confuse pests if planted with vegetables.
Marigolds are great plants to start from seed. Planting marigold seeds can be done by starting them transplant pods 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting time or by direct seeding once all danger of frost has passed.
Most flowers from the daisy family will attract a range of beneficial insects. The flowers themselves may not appear highly attractive to human eyes but hoverflies and predatory wasps love them. Daisies seldom are bothered by insects and disease, and usually reseed for several years on their own without care or upkeep. Typically daisies do not need insecticides or fungicides.
Lavender is an excellent general pest repellent flower to use in your garden. Humans aren't the only ones attracted to lavender's lovely, aromatic flowers. Lavender is known to attract butterflies and other nectar feeding beneficial insects to your garden. On the other hand, lavender will help repel fleas, ticks, moths and even mice.