I have really been thinking geraniums too, Kathy. Your experience of them really getting a head start is the exact result I am hoping for. I believe alyssum and asparagus flower will be ok with April temps here. Gary, your snapdragon suggestion would never have occured to me, but it's a great idea, I love snap dragons. I will be watching for those to experiment with too. I do plan to cover them with large plastic bins on nights when ever temps near freezing. They will be in pots. so there is a risk that soil won't be as warm as garden soil. But the containers are on an aggregate patio. Perhaps that will warm the soil enough. I really should have mentioned that the pots will be in full sun, with southern exposure. Thanks for the ideas so far. guys!
