Question
I have a courtyard that has west exposure, when I plant flowers in containers in  
my courtyard, I have trouble getting the flowers to keep blooming. The problem
is the plants get such intense sunlight from about 1:00 - 4:00 and then it goes
back to shade. What type of annual will flourish in a container with very intense
sunlight for about 4 hours daily.

Answer
Sally,
Plants that would do well include the following: Impatiens, New Guinea Impatiens, Angel Wing Begonias, Wax Begonias, Cordyline (like purple "spikes") Angelonia, Purple Heart, Coleus, Purple Leaf Oxallis and Four O'clocks.

Be sure to use new potting soil in the containers every year, and mix in a combination of an organic fertilizer such as Plant Tone and a time release such as Osmocote Indoor Outdoor - the time release lasts through July and the organic takes over after that.

all the best,
C.L.