Question
This season I would like to grow flowers in my planters that do not fall off the stem, such as marigolds.  I would like varieties that will bloom throughout the summer.  Previously I planted impatiens and geraniums, and the dropping dead flowers just stained the ground and made a mess, so this season I'd like to opt for summer flowers that don't drop off the stem.  However, outside of marigolds I'm not aware off any others.  Thank you, Ellen

Answer
Ellen,
Thanx for your question.  Unfortunately, I cannot think of any flowers that don't shrivel up once they are done blooming.  Picking off dead flowers is called deadheading.  Many people pick off the older blooms to keep the plants looking tidy.  Cosmos, bachelor buttons and petunias are less messy in my opinion than geraniums and impatiens.  You may want to consider them.  I hope this helps.
Tom