I have done something similar by direct sowing on patches of bare ground and mulching around the area so that it was clear where I had sowed. Not quite as sharp definition with the container, though. The difficulty is that weed seeds can blow onto the bare ground and germinate. So I generally leave everything until I can identify it.

Overstock here as well. I went to Crate and Barrel and Pottery Barn to do the sit test first, though. It's not the same as sitting in the chairs you're going to buy, but it helps you understand what you want. I wanted simple metal bar stools, but the ones I liked at C&B had the rung too far back and were very uncomfortable for my legs. So I ordered similar ones from Overstock with a good rung configuration, and they're very comfortable. The welding looks like it was done by a kindergartener, but oh well...

I'm sure you'll be able to find what you are looking for. We got our stools at California Bar Stools--I think they just serve our local area (Bay Area), but they have several on their website that I think are similar to what you are looking for. There was a lot of choice in terms of the stain and the upholstery, if you can afford to go custom. We were even able to take home a few options to see how they looked (it totally helped!). Our counters are 37" and we got 26" stools. My husband commented tonight that he thinks they are the perfect size. Here is a link that might be useful: California Bar Stools

I have been looking and looking online. I wanted something cheap as I've already exhausted my budget. I tried out the ones at Ikea and they were lacking in quality. We went to a local store to just try out different ones and ended up ordering from them. It was more than I wanted to spend, but they are such great quality that I couldn't resist. I'm happy with our choice. We got to choose the finish and fabric and they are really sturdy and comfortable and even LOOK better quality than the cheap ones I was looking at online. We are lucky to have this store that all they sell is chairs and barstools, but I guess what I'm saying is to go out and try some. My husband wanted no back, I wanted a back and no swivel because I was afraid of the back banging into the counter. We ended up with a padded back with a swivel.