Thanks guys for the compliments!
So regarding the annuals... Yes, if you want the vibrant colors from Vinca, Celosia, etc like this, a hard freeze will take them out. So I can count on these lasting a good: 8 months+. Which for me is worth the investment of a couple hundred dollars for the beauty. These will tolerate triple digits too! My garden has built in soaker hoses under the mulch.