cooler weather annuals/perenials

As spring slowly arrives, I am overly anxious to get started planting in the garden. I have heard there are some annuals and perenials that can tolerate colder temps and survive light frost. Does anyone know what some of these might be? I am already aware of the cold hardy vegetables I can plant. I live in Richmond, Va and our last frost date is usually late April.

Thanks,

Dear Flora

DearFlora:
Welcome to DG. Most perennials will do just fine because they ARE perennials. They might get browned leaves with a light frost, but they'll bounce right back when it stays warm. Annuals that do well are pansies. They like the cool weather. (Most annuals are strictly warm weather.) Happy gardening and enjoy the site.

If the perennials are hardy in your zone, you'll have them for years. Annuals are another matter, though. You might try pansies. They seem to like the cooler temps. For anything you want to have throughout the summer, though, I'd wait until after your last frost date to plant any other annuals. Good luck and happy gardening.