Anybody know anything about flowers? Question?

It's great that you were able to identify the species of the plant and found some to plant along your walkway! It's disappointing when they don't thrive as expected, but it sounds like you're planning to give it another shot in 2023. Maybe checking out a California super bloom wildflowers guide could give you some insight into different varieties that might be more resilient in your area. Good luck with your next planting adventure!