As for the rain, that's the great thing about having containers, specially relatively small ones like you are talking about. If it's raining a bunch, move the pot. If there is a frost, move the pot. By using containers, we're able to control a lot of what mother nature throws at us. Not everything, but a lot. Judging from your comments about rain, I'd assume you aren't the greatest at watering habits, or you probably would have moved those pots when it kept raining. Don't worry, I'm not that good either at times. You should probably understand that container gardening requires some more attention, especially with watering and temperatures, than in ground does. We also need to provide nutrients to our container plants. The ground isn't there to give them any of those. That said, as LO said above, there are some really easy things you can start out with. Lots and lots of flowers are pretty tolerant to swings in environment. Their pretty too! Just look for something that matches your sun and watering requirements. I'd also suggest some herbs. Try some mint? It can actually be useful in the kitchen, looks nice, and is pretty hard to kill. In fact, it's pretty much a weed, and will fill your container pretty quickly. You can always trim it back though. If you protect it from anything too crazy over the winter, it will grow next year too. You can take it inside if that is easier depending on where you live and the winter weather. Sage might fit in there pretty well also. About the same as mine, only I don't like the looks as much, but you might! Even with a small container, you could build a little herb garden, and supply your kitchen with some nice stuff. Make sure your mix drains well though, herbs don't like a lot of water. If it rains, put the pot under something, like on the porch or whatever. You control the moisture, not the weather. I like rosemary, and find it very useful in the kitchen. It's a little slow growing though, and a child may not be entertained by it much. You might go to a good nursery, ask them. They'll know what plants/flowers are maintenance free in your area. They can even show you what they look like. Have fun, and remember that so much of gardening is trial and error. It's black magic, and as much as we think we know, it only goes so far.

What are the growing conditions like (temperature...light, etc)? Is this just for the summer? You might try: Musa basjoo (a cold hardy variety that seems to hold its leaves better in the winter than the real tropicals) Lasiocarpus (Chinese banana--this one produces stunning yellow flowers that last a LONG time) The leaves are unlike those of most bananas (genus Musa) in shape and color (more blue green). Also rather COLD hardy. Any of the dwarf banana varieties should work. Ensete maurelli (spelling?)--the one with red/bronze leaves and relatively tolerant of quite chilly temps--stunning!

I've grown quite a few scented begonias over the years. To date the only ones I can recommend are the varieties 'Sweet Lady' and 'Sweet Dreams' these two, both pink hanging basket types give off a delicious fragrance, all day, even into the evening. Most the other ones I have grown only give off a noticeable fragrance if the day is quite warm. I have to say I haven't given the fragrant begonias Garden Import is selling a fair chance yet, this year will tell the story on these ones. I did grow both 'Red Spice and 'Pink Spice' from Antonelli some years ago, they fell into the if the day was warm category. I also grew 'Yellow Sweetie' a Blackmore & Langdon, small flower but not bad in the scent department. I bought red scented begonias from Costco a few weeks ago, can't give an opinion on this one yet. So if you can find either 'Sweet Lady' or 'Sweet Dreams' in packages at your local garden centers, this is the way to go if you want fragrance. Botanus has them listed in their spring catalogue if anyone is interested. HTH Annette

Howdy, OG. I'm okay now, but was sick most of the summer. Hope you're doing well. Can't care for plants when one isn't feeling right. Thank you. Yes, H. Multiflora has pretty flowers, and smell delicious, lol. Scent and shape differ from other Hoyas. During winter, my Hoyas are placed in south windows, but you know how gloomy IL can be. No room for artificial lighting either, wish there was a way. How dim do you mean? In a window and which direction? To be honest, the more light Hoya Multiflora is given, the better, espeically since they can bloom year round. However, if light isn't bright enough, '2-3 months,' as soon as daylight lengthens, it should be placed in brighter light. Also, if in too much shade, proper watering is very important. I allow soil to dry quite a bit during winter months..like a succulent, although not to the point soil cracks. So, you're going to collect Hoyas, too? lol. Hoyas are very pretty, and there are so many different varieties. I want a Hoya called Sigillatis, but they're impossible finding. I looked everywhere...oh well. Maybe one day. Check Accents...they have Shoot Star. Toni