I was going to try my Ultima Morpho winter sown pansies if they do anything, maybe some alyssum, also a salvia, then might like to buy some dusty miller and dracena for contrast.

If that doesn't work out, I can try the marigolds again or some Laura Bush petunias. Or Blue Daddy.

I never know how to plant containers right and would like something that will trail better than the alyssum but not my old standard iresine as it doesn't like hot sun.

How about asters? I had good success with them last year. They looked really great in pots on the patio. I grouped all the pots together and it made quite a scene!

Oh, sorry, I missed the part about blooming in the spring. Ok, asters bloom in the summer. So the only thing I can think of offhand would be johnny jump-ups, pansies and alyssum. Johnny jump-ups are adorable!

Calendula

I put Calendula and alyssum in my big urns. I also did 4'oclocks in one as a test.

I like Calendula cause it grows well for me.

Karen