If you're looking to save money I don't think perennials are the best idea, unless you can get a good deal somewhere.

Zinnias?

I wouldn't rule out an extra hardy perennial such as a daylily if you have a free source and are willing to experiment. Then you could fill around with annuals every year.

I think plants that are typically sold in the 4 or 6 packs offer the best bang for the buck to fill a large space. Off the top of my head: marigolds, dusty miller, verbena, salvias, wax begonias. I do border plantings around most of my beds every year with 4 pack plants and it is fun to try different combinations every year to create an interesting border.

I agree that 4-packs give you a lot of variety.

If you want to go even less expensive than that, nasturtiums grow well from seed and like full sun. Be careful not to over-fertilize them, though, or they won't bloom. Someone else mentioned zinnias--you can get seeds for the short ones.

The "Profusion" zinnias are great! I planted orange ones a couple of years ago, and cherry pinnk last year. Will definitely be adding them to the garden again this year! They're short, and bloom like crazy!

Linda

If you are near the Twin Cities there is the Friends School Sale as a source for less expensive perennials. There is the spring plant exchange that I am hosting and you should check out Craigs list for free plants.

Here is a link that might be useful: spring plant exchange

Thank you to everyone who responded. I will take in all of your suggestions as decide what to plant. I appreciate your help!

A perennial that overwinters for me in a container out on my deck is Silver Brocade Artemisia. I love the silvery grey leaves and it drapes beautifully. The flower is nothing special, I actually cut them off, I grow the plant for the foliage.