>>colorful random bed of Zinnias and Gaillardia last year, that were all volunteers. Probably couldn't do that again if I tried
Kelly -- I had a bed like that one year... though they weren't volunteers, just direct sown / tossed seeds, and i just got lucky with a gorgeous, colorful flowerbed that year.
as for Top 5... I couldn't narrow it to 5. I really do enjoy them all - and ya figure, i've only been at this about 4 yrs, so i'm still learning and getting new plants.