After 15 years my initial design is tired and much has died off. I have attached two pictures. I plan to keep the Forest Pansy Rebud and the Japanese Maple but everything else is game. The Pig Squeak is clearly too big and the Lenten Rose is out of place and blooms too early. There are Astilbes on there way out of the ground and some Coral Belles and low ferns. I was on the fence about the Oak leaf Hydrangeas as I like them but my wife is so so on them. There is also a hosta just behind the Redbud. Most of the area is full shade as it faces north. The area by the light post gets morning and some late afternoon sun. I usually line the entire length of the front with impatiens and they do extremely well and look great. I have no problem using annuals and containers to fill in color.
My wife likes a more manicured look and I am okay with more free form. I want to mix textures and color for a low maintenance look if possible. If you look close there are built in planter ledges in the brick that we can utilize.
The second picture is a continuation along the side of the house. There is another oak leaf hydrangea, a Kerria(that needs pruning), some grass for gas meter and more astilbe and Japanese maple. I was thinking to move the astible from the front to here and not do too much to save money and focus on the front.
So here I am. Any help would be great as I am not sure where to do. My wife likes Bell Flowers and bleeding hearts and more fine and wispy plans. Maybe some colorful (containable) ground cover, or low evergreen. She doesn't like how it looks so dead in winter. Which is fairly long here in Buffalo lol. We also want to add an up light to the tree and house possibly.
I know that is a lot so thank you in advance for any help from you all during this time.
