Annual flowers can add an incredible color to any landscape. Unfortunately, due to the climate here in Macon, GA, there are far less options in the Winter. The common options are typically pansies, violas, panolas, snap dragons, kale and cabbage. We plant mainly violas instead of pansies because they are self-cleaning and do not require deadheading. I think the secret to any annual flower composition is mounding great soil for drainage and nutrients, having a dedicated sprinkler watering them and a slow release fertilizer.
Annual Flower Bed Preparation
We like to use high quality compost that is well draining with nutrients. Mounding up the annual beds also helps the beds drain much better. Due to the heat and Summer drought conditions we can experience in the Macon area, we usually install a dedicated irrigation spray head for each flower bed so they are sure to get the correct amount of irrigation. We also use a slow release fertilizer, but we typically do not use Osmocote because I feel like it does not break down fast enough.