I bought nasturtiums and marigolds and sunflowers. My daughter and I planted them, along with columbines and some smaller sunflowers. They'll be in the window case for a few weeks until they get sprouted. The marigolds and nasturtiums are good for deterring a lot of bugs. White flies usually go after my persimmon tree, so I'm going to plant the nasturtiums out front. I usually put marigolds in the garden. Last year I let them all die of neglect. This year I'll do better.
The columbines are something the kids chose at the hardware store. They are perennials, so they will be a nice contrast with the annuals and I can use them to illustrate for the kids how they come back without having to be replanted.
I love sunflowers but the birds always seem to eat them before they sprout or they don't get enough sun. I have a spot picked out in the front yard and I'm going to provide some supports so they don't fall over.
Tom Petty was right, the waiting is the hardest part.