Can you recommend some annuals for partial sun that have nice flowers and a spreading habit that covers a relatively large area? Rather than plant a traditional groundcover, I would like to try annuals, since they have season-long blooms and I can change them each year.

There’s a good reason that impatiens are the number one variety of annuals grown today. Not only do they bloom all summer long, but they spread together which reduces the need to weed. Impatiens are very low maintenance and will grow in sun, part sun or shade. Wax begonias will also bloom all summer and grow in part sun but won’t spread quite as much as impatiens. The colorful leaves and spreading habit of coleus would add an interesting look to a flower bed. Coleus will also grow well in part sun or shade.