Besides Kale/Cabbage and Pansies.......

What other type seasonal annuals can be grown outdoors in 7a. I usually plant Johnny Jump Ups, Viola, Pansies because my Kale and/or Cabbage usually doesn't do so well. I prefer lots of flowers....brightly colored. Anyone have some suggestion?

also coming to mind for fall are mums, asters, and dianthus

I had not thought of dianthus at all and haven't been interested in the asters. I will do a little reasearch at both with a fresh new "eye" Thanks for the suggestions.

I've just discovered giant red mustard as a colorful cool weather
annual. No flowers but huge dark red leaves and it's edible...how
cool is that!

Another one that makes a nice border are quite a few of the different edible Kales, like Red Russian, etc. Many of these you can even harvest from underneath snow cover.

My dusty miller's do great in West Texas winters. Alyssum will live right on through the springtime after planted in the fall. How about some Snapdragons or Cyclamen?