Well, no one else is in on this one so I'll jump. It is easy to find, or has been for me, especially if you choose a smaller 'mom and pop' nursery. The colors are good, they do best in a hot summer and they are not difficult. That said, they are not my favorite plant, they can be messy in habit and I just don't love them (personal opinion). I would plant a few this year and see if you like them...then if you do, use them next year. I think a mass planting is a big commitment for an unknown entity, I'd choose something that has grown well for me in the past and something that I realy like.

My 2 cents, good luck, Helen.

Here is another cent not asked for, have you considered fibrous begonias? They do well in all kinds of sunlight, and they look fabulous in mass...I like the dark burgundy leaf variety with rose flowers...nice edge!

Thanks for the follow up! Yes fibrous begonias are nice- but I want something with a little more height. I might consider those for the front of the bed. Good suggestion!

I grow nicotiana every year, though not in a large mass. It self seeds for me. My favorite is the deep purple with it's wonderful aroma. I also like the deep red. Most of the pinks I have seen are a bit washed out looking but I haven't really looked at the pinks. It grows in one area that is shaded most of the morning with full afternoon/evening sun and still does well.

Nicotiana appears to be a staple at most garden centers.

I winter sow some every year to plant in a container on my deck.

I know this is a little late (replying...obviously not planting :) ) but a couple of my favorite annuals with a little height are Rocket series Snapdragons and State Fair Zinnias!! Both grow to about 3 feet give or take a few inches.

Good luck!
Kristy :)

Actually, I really, really like nicotiana--especially for an evening fragrance garden. I pick a lot of flowers just for the fragrance, and I think the lime green nicotiana just glows in the evenings. Like the smoke purple, too, but the tall white ones are especially fragrant.