aggierose, I really love Giant Lirope - it is truly foolproof - it is taller and gives a graceful look to a bed. I have used it in pots in front of my brick garage [with a concrete oriental statue attached to the wall]. The pots are sitting on river rock - very carefree and tidy and it has a bit of a formal look to it which I like. NO care except to water. I will try to get a few photos to show you tomorrow. The Little Pinkie indian hawthorne is something new I am trying. I dont much care for the bigger version, though it is used alot. So far, I like Little Pinkie...it is staying small, stays green and is blooming now. If you want to take out the azaleas and cant decide on what to put there.....try the Giant Lirope. If you dont like it later on.....its super easy to dig out and grows fast and it is a plant you can use anywhere. As I mentioned, I love it in pots. If you wanted to use roses.....I have become very fond of white in a landscape. I adore the look of white bridal wreath against the green spring grass.....that is fleeting however so I am collecting white roses to mimic the look. I love the Pioneer rose Old Baylor - just got one on my visit to Antique Rose Emporium. Since that area gets sun....white might look nice there, and it could play off the eves of your house. Sunny Knockout roses are also good - start out yellow, fade to creamy white. I have a pair at my front door that are eyecatching even though my house is well off the road. Purple Angelonia is extremely heat tolerant and blooms all summer - a bunch of that would look great, and peach and lavender are gorgeous together, so would look good with the Drift roses. I got so fed up with the heat killing everything last summer that I did some experimenting and made a list of plants that would thrive in the broiling sun - angelonia was one of the top survivors. Massing one or two colors to me makes a bigger impact. I do my deck in all purples and lavenders [all potted plants] and it never fails to wow everyone. Your house is lovely - doubt you could go wrong with anything you planted! Judith

I sure am going to have fun planning this bed all winter! More great suggestions to look up. Thank you! Lilies are going on my list Sierra! Especially after "oohing" and "aahing" over everyone's wonderful lilies in the weekly update threads. I've been thinking about the soaker hose too. Mentioned it to DH earlier this year. Definately worth further investigating (ie, planning how to get them through all the beds!) Glen, I do that too! MY DD & I love to go on our "Garden Walks" as we call them. At nights we decide which way to walk based on which gardens we want to see again or see the progress being made. Or just to compare how my stuff is doing compared to others in the neighbourhood! "Ok, it must be the weather this year. Look their's is doing the same thing as mine. Phew, I feel better now." LOL

Melinda thank you for the wonderful things you sent.I needed peat pellets so they were very much appreciated along with the Lily Bulbs.I planted them thisafternoon.The foliage plant arrived in perfect condition.All I need to do was plop it in a pot and it looks like I just bought it at a store!!Love It!!.I also loved the kitchen towel.It is soo spring looking with the pretty flowers on it.That Lady Bug Shelf Sitter really makes me smile.That is *pardon the pun* Cute As A Bug!!Also a big thank you for the suet cake.My woodpeckers have been going thru them like mad lately. Well Melinda and everyone thanks again for making my month as princess a special one.I can't wait to you all have your turns at the throne so I can repay your kindness : )) Nancy

I have lots and lots and lots of vinca (minor, I think...purple flowers) and it does quite well in the shade. Possibly invasive so think long and hard if you really want some! :)