I have a nice back patio that has some decent sun exposure during the day that I'd like to "jazz" up this spring and summer with some hanging plants. The problem is I seem to kill everything. Either the sun bakes them dry or I've selected the wrong outdoor variety. What do you recommend that is nice and colorful, that can stand the transition from spring to summer, and requires little care (not high maintenance!). Unfortunately, I can only afford whatever Wal-Mart has in its greenhouse. Thanks!

When it comes to hanging baskets with annuals, water, water, water. A good drenching in the morning and again in late afternoon is critical in the warmer months. These baskets dry out extremely fast, so they need attention.
A basket full of petunias will give you months of color, providing you "deadhead" the spent flowers and keep up with the water. Annuals planted in the ground will take less watering after the first two weeks or so, but still need adequate watering.
I highly recommend shopping at local nurseries for all plant material. Wal-Mart may have cheap prices, but you'll get cheap quality plants in return. The nurseries will offer you lots of professional advice for free and their prices are not far off from the Wal-Marts and Home Depots. In Yarmouth, try Estabrooks Nursery.