You have a great list started and everyone else has added great tips and recommendations!  My all-time favorite hanging baskets are in the city of Victoria, BC. For inspiration, a list of plants, and instructions how to achieve these beautiful hanging baskets, go to: http://www.victoria.ca/cityhall/pdfs/compar_prknrsy_hngbskt_brchr.pdf

I also find great ideas by visiting local nurseries, like Swanson’s in Seattle or Wells-Medina in Bellevue. I always marvel at the exotic combinations of plants in the hanging baskets and containers everytime I visit University Village. And for great shade combinations, check out the hanging baskets on the 2nd floor of the parking garage next to Crate and Barrel in Bellevue Square.

Finally, you probably already know this, but don’t set out your baskets or containers too early. A day like today gets us in the mood and nurseries and garden centers entice us with their beautiful displays. Remember, those pretty plants have been coddled in warm greenhouses and will not fare well in the cold and rain. As a rule, I never plant my annuals until after Mother’s Day or even late-May to early-June. Of course you can gather your plants and even plant your containers earlier, just be careful when you decide to set them outside and be aware you may need to pull them into a garage or protected area from time to time until the temperatures are more consistent.

Oh, and about Nasturtiums. Yes, they should bloom all season.  An added benefit: the flowers and leaves are edible.  On the downside, many gardeners complain they attract aphids.

Happy gardening! -Andrea