Planting annuals is about as close to "instant gratification" as you can get in your garden. That's because you can buy them from a garden center, take them home, plant them, and have a gorgeous garden all in the same day. It's also easy (and more budget-friendly) to grow your annual plants from seeds. Either way, follow this annual garden plan for full sun to create a harmonious display of colorful flowers that will bloom throughout the entire growing season. For this design, you'll need a trellis or similar plant support structure for the morning glory to climb up in the center of the bed. This will serve as the focal point, adding height and rich color that will be complemented and contrasted by the surrounding flowers.
Plants for Creating the Annual Garden for Full Sun
- 16 Sweet alyssum (Lobelaria maritima 'Pastel Carpet')
- 16 Globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa 'Bicolor Rose')
- 16 Salvia (Salvia farinacea 'Sallyfun Blue Lagoon')
- 16 African marigold (Tagetes erecta 'Taishan')
- 16 Vinca (Catharanthus roseus 'Soiree Flamenco Senorita Pink')
- 16 Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus 'Orlando Deep Bronze')
- 16 Petunia (Petunia x hybrida 'Veranda Double Lavender')
- 4 Morning glory (Ipomoea tricolor 'Heavenly Blue')
If you aren't able to find the exact cultivars listed above, substitute with others that have similar colors, shapes, and sizes. And because some plants can become overly aggressive and spread out of control in certain climates, always check which species are considered invasive in your area before planting.
Get the Free Annual Garden for Full Sun Plan
This free garden plan is available as a printable PDF that includes an illustrated version of the planted garden, a layout diagram, a list of plants for the garden as shown, and complete instructions for installing the garden.
Tips for Planting Your New Garden
Preparation is the key to creating a garden that will offer a lifetime of pleasure. Before you start plant shopping, review all garden plan materials. Then, ask yourself the following questions:
Do I have a suitable spot for this plan?
The layout diagram shows the rough dimensions for the plan. In general, you can enlarge or reduce the size of the garden by adding or eliminating plants, although the character of the garden may change if you alter the size dramatically.
Do I have the right growing conditions?
Check the plant list to see if the plan will do best in sun, part shade, or full shade. Be sure that the plants are suited to your USDA Hardiness Zone.
Do I need to amend my soil?
Most plants thrive in moist, but well-drained soil. If you have soil with lots of sand or clay, amend it liberally with lots of organic matter, such as compost. You may also want to do a soil test to see if you need to adjust the soil pH or add fertilizer before planting.