Hello:

I live in Dallas TX and my front yard is a mess and I am trying to bring it back to life one step at a time.
In this bed around the trees I have just planted some Hostas and am looking for some other things to plant. I would rather have perennials.
This bed is mostly in the shade with the front edge of it with about 4 hours of afternoon sun.
I am thinking of maybe astilbe in front of the trees, but I will take any suggestions/recommendations.

Thank you,

David

David.

Astilbe would work, but consider the bed from all angles. I'm assuming that the front is where you took to picture from. While curb appeal is a legitimate consideration, you want to enjoy the spot from the back and. sides as well.

Things to consider are...
Spring color:
- bleeding heart
- bulbs such as daffodils, muscari, chionodoxa and corydalis

Fern and hosta are great at hiding the yellowing foliage of bulbs until the astilbe come in.

For winter interest, consider hellebore. They're evergreen and bloom in !id to
late winter.

Check with you're local garden center to see what's best in your area.

One last thing. Be careful with the mulch around the tree bases or root flare. Too much mulch will stay too wet for too long, giving an opportunity for disease to set it. Also, be aware that the trees do have roots just below the surface that collect moisture and air for the tree. Those roots will compete with what ever you plant. For more information, please see

https://garrettchurchill.com/w...

Thank you Rick!
I appreciate your help.
The mulch around the trees have been there since i have moved in a few years ago.
I did add some soil and new mulch, but I can pull it back a little to make sure diseases do not form.
Thanks again!
David

The late afternoon sun at the front of the beds might well be too much for some of the shade loving plants ... be careful to place plants with an eye toward their needs. If you planted a heuchera, for example, in an area that was shady except for a few hours of blazing sun late in the day that would likely scorch it to death.
That said; I love some of the ferns tolerant of dry woodland settings (again, not in the end of day sun), Polystichum setiferum, Dryopteris affinis, among them.
Last thing to consider: Plant SMALL. When placing plants in areas where they will be competing with roots from established trees, smaller plants will generally adapt more readily to the conditions. Keep them well watered their first year and they will generally catch up and overtake and out perform their bigger brethren. And they're cheaper, to boot!