I have a sunny well-drained, slightly sloped 20'x20' space that can be watered as little or as much as needed. The space is designated in the landscape plan for a future 3rd car garage and loggia, but right now it's an eyesore bare space with good soil and a few weeds.

My idea is to border the space on three sides with marigolds (the fourth side is a stucco wall that has vines) and fill the space with something colorful and easy and neat. Having something to cut would be ideal, but anything pretty would be fine. One to two feet in height would be right, and something that blooms until frost would be perfect. If it attracts butterflies and birds, then YIPPEE!!!

It could be just one type of flower or a few types, but I want to be able to toss seed, rake in and water, and watch them come up.

I like the idea of zinnias because of all the great colors, but worried that they may get mildewy.

Suggestions?

Gayle