A great dwarf Zinnia from Blue Ribbon Blooms is ‘Profusion Double Fire’. It features big 2-inch flowers, blooms profusely throughout the summer, and plants are reasonably short—about 15 inches tall. It is a vigorous selection in our experience, and the double set of petals makes the flowers look even bigger. This Zinnia prefers full sun and should be planted in typical garden soil: not too hard, not too wet—just average.

Ornamental Peppers are good conversation starters for summer picnics and backyard events. Their hot salsa colors work well for those casual summer BBQs where flip-flops are part of the dress code, and their unusual peppers add a little excitement and flair. Imagine one of these plants sitting next to the burgers and potato salad—a little summer showboating makes everything more fun!

Here are three great Pepper choices in 8-inch pots:

We have three beautiful Cannas for the deck or patio this season: ‘Cleopatra’, ‘Australia’ and ‘Red Velvet’. Each one is distinctive and will add plenty of style on either side of the patio door. Cannas are tropical plants, so they thrive in the blistering heat found out on an open deck; they do need their water, however, so don't forget! Plant them directly into your garden beds for some spectacularly showy displays you can see from the deck as well.

Vincas are better known as periwinkles, those pastel flowers that lightly dot low growing, almost shrub-like leaves. Vincas sport long, slender stems that can reach out from the crown and cover a good amount of garden space, making them the ideal solution when you want some color and coverage where the ground is rough-and-tumble. For example, plant some among the rocks or along a fence, or any spot where the ground is uneven—Vincas will ramble around, through and in-between everything.