I thought I'd provide an update. We've removed the grass from the yard in preparation. This week we will be laying down a weed barrier and the pavers and will start planting next weekend. We buy the plants Saturday morning.
Meanwhile, I have discovered that my existing plant in the flowerbed is a Bear's Breech (Agapanthus mollis - edit: this should be Acanthus mollis - thanks bannetts4 for catching that). There are about 4-5 plants within the mound. It is considered invasive, but it really hasn't spread much in the last 24 years, so I am going to leave it there and plant the poker plants and sages on either side.
The tree in the corner is a broad leaf privet. So another invasive species. But one that I do not want - its roots are horrendous. So, I going to get it cut down and then I'll spend the next year killing its roots. Once it is truly well and dead, I will plant a better tree/shrub in that spot.
I have added a few more plants to the plan. The university added more plants for the sale so I couldn't resist. I've added three additional poker plant varieties (hot & cold, poco orange, and backdraft), several more catmints, and a couple lion's tails. I also show two birdbaths in the plan. I also refined the diagram using truer bloom colors for the plants.
My hummingbird came by yesterday and checked things out while we were working. I think she's excited.
