Patio containers perfect for fall

Q. What should I plant in containers for colour and interest on my deck during the fall and (hopefully) during the winter also? I live on the coast.
A. One of my personal early autumn rituals is to plant pansies and violas in containers for the patio. This simple little project delivers more flowery pleasure than any other planting I can think of. I set a series of shallow, bowl-shaped pansy planters on stands at the glass doors into the family room, where I can enjoy the cheery blooms through t