The easiest thing is lirope (which is a grass) as a background and annuals in between. Because the path is used constantly (you do use the front door right?). Clumps of perennials are going to look awkward in their off seasons. And keeping that clean and weed free will be a pain. Annuals bloom from May- late Nov here in DCUM. GL.

I suggest having a more concrete plan OP. Look at landscapes you like, pictures online, look at some plans on better homes and gardens. Model your yard on what works and looks attractive in our area. Good luck!

Have you thought about using plants where the leaves are colorful? I am not a super gardener, but my neighbor has an amazing border of plants with leaves ranging from bright green (almost yellow), to red, burgundy, and tons of shades in between. Goegeous, no deadheading needed, and it lasts all year long.

Coneflower and black eyed susan will bloom nearly all summer and into fall.

I love me perennial border but struggle with weeds. Even weed suppressent fabric and mulch only help so much.

If your goal is constant color then I would plant annuals. Zinnia, tithonia, cleome, marigolds, salvias, bedding dahlias will give you a fabulous display all season long. The beds can be mulched and look tidy the rest of the time.

It's hard to have a perennial border with constant color, but you could do a succession of spring bulbs, summer coneflowers and lilies, and then anemones for fall.

Shrub roses also bloom repeatedly, although they certainly have resting periods.

I am personally very in favor of gardens in the front yard, but the reason most people use evergreen shrubs instead for the most part is that no perennial border looks fabulous all year round even if well-tended. That can be tough for maintaining a welcoming, tidy front entrance.

You could also consider some evergreen shrubs and containers you can fill with annuals for color all summer and then plant with hardier ornamentals for most of the winter (like kale).

Be relaistic about how much maintenance you want to do. I have seen many plantings started with great visions and then become a weedy mess.

In order of bloom time:
Hellebores (maybe- more of a shade plant)
Daffodils (mix of types for longest bloom season)
Tulips (maybe - they never last in my yard)
Iris
Day lilies
Cleome

Shrubs:
Russian sage
Lavender
Rosemary

Depending on drainage, my lavender thrives in well drained full sun soul.

Anonymous wrote:Sun or shade? Flat or sloped? What style do you like - formal or cottage garden? Favorite colors. Want fall/winter interest? More info please!

Sun. My main goal is color for as much of the year as is possible, and I'd ideally like plants/flowers that can survive at least a few years.

I hadn't pondered formal vs cottage garden. Thinking about it now, and looking at photos to get some ideas.

Black eyed susan, coneflowers, cardinal flowers, daylilies, hostas if you have shade.

Just an FYI- if you’re thinking of perennials with flowers for the color- unlike annuals which will keep their blooms all summer most perennials only keep their blooms for 6 weeks or so.
I would pick a mix of perennials that bloom and those with interesting foliage.

Sun or shade? Flat or sloped? What style do you like - formal or cottage garden? Favorite colors. Want fall/winter interest? More info please!

There is a brick walkway, about 20 feet long, leading from the sidewalk in front of my house to the front door.

I would like to plant colorful perennials on each side of the walkway.

Please send me your suggestions.