My husband and I are buying a house next year from his family. I know the land is productive, but there's currently not much growing on it. I'm looking for input on some ornamental gardens in front of the house, though most of our effort will be on growing edibles in the side and back areas.
It's in Baltimore, MD, zone 7a: moderate winters, sticky summers, reliable rain. The house is northeast and tall evergreen trees southwest of the garden, so only partial sun, with the most near the sidewalk. I'd like to build a large garden area in front of the house - at least out to the sidewalk, and with the long-term goal of getting rid of all the grass on that side of the driveway. I prefer things that will be relatively low-maintenance (especially perennials or reseeders) and non-toxic (we'll have people, dogs, bees, and birds).
So, what would you do with this blank slate?
