I'm new to homeownership and new to the Midsouth. My previous gardening experience was a Northern Michigan vegetable garden as a child and apartment balcony boxes with flowers in Virginia. I've been reading a lot about southern gardening and I've got big plans for our home in Cordova.

First though, I want to plant the flower beds in the front lawn (facing south) with a budget-friendly, full sun, low growing perennial flower. I'd like to put the seeds straight in the ground at the end of April and see some progress by the end of summer. I can wait for perfect results. What variety of flowers would you suggest? I'm considering lantana, dianthus, and campanula. They will be the only color in the front of the house (for now), so something striking is welcome. Thanks for any ideas/tips!