On the subject of annuals, you need to decide first where you might want them. Let’s start with your front door.

Flowers at the front door say hello, welcome.  They celebrate in whatever fashion pleases you, the entrance to your home. That makes the architecture of your entrance a key design element.  Formal homes ask for formal placement and selection of containers and plants. Very formal homes may have no flowers at the door.  They might have lidded finials, or topiary, or boxwood in containers.

How you announce the entrance to your home is not only about the architecture.  It’s your home, so your voice should be evident-clearly, confidently.

If you are shy and reclusive, there is a planting that says so.

If you grew up on, and still adhere to Emily Post, say so.

If you are exuberant, and welcoming of friends, neighbors, new people, and your daughter’s softball team, say so.

If relaxed and low key appeals to you, do so.

If lots and lots of everything is your style, do lots and lots.

If the mid-century modern, or contemporary design of your house makes certain demands that you hear, listen.

If you are of several minds, as often happens, you are free to do differently next season.