Your current plants probably aren't flowering because they aren't quite big enough yet -- give them time and they will. That's assuming they're getting adequate sun, of course. Sweet peas don't like the heat much (unless you planted the perennial sweet pea, it doesn't care) so they may not flower well for you, but the others should be OK. Moonflowers, in my limited experience, are slow to flower, and of course bloom late in the day and at night so you may not see them if you aren't out then.

You could put just about any annual you like with them -- but your choice will be limited by what's left at this time of year. Most places don't replenish annuals much after the 1st of June because most people are done putting them in. You will find some, however, and also pansies will be showing up again before too long (they also like cool weather so they're good fall plants).

I can't help you with nurseries -- can you look in the yellow pages or google it? You're right, the box stores staff usually don't know anything about the plants they're selling; going to a good nursery and talking with knowledgeable staff is always a help.

Plant what appeals to you (making sure it fits the situation your current plants are in) and enjoy!

Since you have plenty of climbers you might want to think about something that will trail out of your planters to give yourself some downward interest. Don't really know what you've considered so far but with all those green climbers in the background some colored foliage might be fun: dusty miller, sun tolerant coleus, verigated sage, that sort of thing.

You might also consider some herbs that flower: basil, pineapple sage, chives, etc. Sometimes places will have herbs left even when the annuals are gone. You'll get flowers and goodies for the kitchen as well.

best to you and enjoy the new deck.

jyda730: I also live in Chicagoland and am never finished with planters until July! I am attaching a pic of a planter at a friends' home - it's mostly coleus (the peach) and sweet potato vine (the very dark and the chartreuse). There are some tiny yellow flowers mixed in but as you can see, it's mostly foliage and this is what I do - plus a few wave petunias cascading. I would also recommend Sid's in Palos Hills (or is it 'heights'?) and they're also in Bolingbrook. If you want to email me directly, I can give you more places as my son lives in Lisle and I also am at Morton Arboretum all the time so I know a lot of nurseries south and southwest. I hope this pic comes through!

Westy (cdwestg@comcast.net)

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