Annual Failure

I planted annuals for the first time about 7 years ago.  It did not go well, and it was embarassing because they were in the front yard.  I felt like all the neighbors were walking and driving by laughing as they watched me try and bring these dead plants back to life.  I have not tried again since.  Until now.  I have had such great success with many plants in the past few years I was feeling pretty confident in my skills.  I figured I could handle some annuals again, I even was so brave I put them right in the front again.  It has been two weeks.  They have been slowly and surely dying.  Ugh.  What is the deal with annuals?  I gave them plant food and plenty of water.  Any suggestions?