suggestions wanted for landscaping with containers

Can't grown much in the ground because we suffer with heavy clay. Would like suggestions for long lasting colorful container mixes. I have all levels of sun exposure.

Anything that you can grow in the ground can be grown better in a container because you are using a container mix which is perfect for plants so you should not be concerned? Just buy plants or seeds for your zone. I grow most everything in cedar barrel containers and earthboxes...

thanks for the reply but I was looking for some ideas for combinations that look great together.

Oh! My error. I buy a magazine available at Lowes or Home Depot titled "Container Gardening" which gave me all kinds of variables. My favorite being red lantana with golden french marigold.

Here's a bunch. http://extension-horticulture.tamu.edu/floriculture/container-garden/web_gallery/index2.html
More. http://www.provenwinners.com/combinations/?s=1&sSeason=Early+Spring
Have fun!

Here's one of mine.

thanks so much for your replies - I'm ordering seeds this weekend.

The majority of my plants are growing in pots. I do this primarily to be able to move them in the winter and secondly to allow me to rearrange my outdoor rooms. The first pics are some of the very large pots I've graduated to as the plants kept growing. I was blessed to have come across a generous landscaper who gave me these large ones. I dont mind using simple pots like these cuz alot of the plants will grow and cover them up or I can arrange smaller plants around the base of the larger ones.

.....with pots you can place plants with some contrasting colors/flowers to accent the surrounding plants instead of just having the same green surrounding the area.....

one more