Here's my front yard bed this year. I live in a townhouse so I try to make my front yard bed my 'showcase' where I do new things every year, mostly annuals and tropicals. I love coleus too, and it does so well in my garden. I overwintered 'Velvet Mocha' (and another which I don't know the name of) and planted them in the front along with some 'Black Prince' snapdragons. Behind is a Celosia from seeds from a friend. Also 'Black Coral' Elephant Ear, and a red Mandevilla which is still just getting going.
In my backyard, I informally trial a few plants that I might like to use for the next year. This year, 'Hot Biscuits' Amaranth is blooming. This is my first year growing any amaranths. I've had serious problems with beetles eating the leaves so they look hideous. I also grew 'Tricolor' and 'Illumination' amaranth, but they got decimated by bugs just after transplanting (earwigs?) and died before really even getting started. What a disappointment.
'Hot Biscuit' is beautiful and unusual but I don't know if I can put this in my showcase garden in my front yard. I had been thinking about a border of these with 'Pacino' sunflowers, Black-eyed susans, lime-green zinnias and... ? something to contrast. Scarlett red, maybe? Cool things down with some pink or lavender? I dunno.
I am always thinking about what to grow next year before this summer is even half over!
