Question
I have ordered an arbor swing that I want to place next to my patio. The area is in part shade - impatiences do quite well in the area. I am interested in planting a vine that will grow over the arbor and bloom all summer long. (I think most of the perenials don't bloom all summer - if there is one I would be interested.)

Could you please suggest what I could plant? (I live in the Washington DC area.)

Answer
Black eyed susan vine (Thunbergia alata), Canary Creeper (Tropaeolum peregrinum), Sweet Pea (Latyhrus odoratus).

All the above mentioned will do reasonably well in partial shade.

You can start any of them from seed indoors now, and plant them out in 30-45 days and they will flower through the season. Just remember to fertilize reguarily and plant in well drained soil, which you should not allow to dry out (keep evenly moist) or they will stop flowering (bummer!!)

My favorite is Black Eyed Susan vine.

Kenneth