Pretty pictures!
Have you tried to check out the Garden and Container suggestions in the magazines at the check-out lane. Somehow, they get several plants, full bloom, both annual and perennial, in the same spot and snap the picture. Like this beautiful situation will last for all summer?!*? Or suggestions for a mixed garden or container that looks great, and you know in your situation just wouldn't do. For us I see lovely pics of summer blooming things that would have pooped by mid-June. And there are perennial beds that ooze with color and charm. Perhaps with an assist of a yard-person, gardener some of this would be reality. They don't show the bed when the yarrow has quit, coneflower just starting, phlox a bit crowded and showing signs of powdery mildew, another one just not doing well......or is that just my garden!!