Are these intended just as seasonal containers or a more permanent planting? If only seasonal, then consider a mix of houseplants and annuals. Colocasia (elephant ears), dieffenbachia or rubber tree could be the 'thriller' but any upright or taller growing houseplant would work. For a 'filler', consider begonias, fuchsia, coleus or impatiens. For the 'spiller', trailing lobelia, creeping jenny or sweet potato vine.

This is not rocket science :-) A trip to a better retail nursery in your area should offer a bunch of other possibilities. Look for plants with complimentary coloring and that will tolerate some sun and some shade (most plants will).

If you want something more permanent, look to small shrbs, perennials, grasses and groundcovers. But 'permanent' in this case is probably only going to be a year or a year and a half before the plants get too large and will need to be transitioned into the garden

Fine Gardening magazine has many container planting publications and also has many online photos for inspiration.

Thank you Garden Gal. I just came home with some coleus and potato vine. I think it will work for me. Actually, I just wanted annuals. As always, I appreciate your help and love all your suggestions. I'd like to plant more coleus in larger planters at some point. They are so pretty with all their colors. For those, I'll refer again to your ideas. You're always so helpful to me and others. Thanks again Garden Gal.