I have some tall single marigolds-- they grow to at least three feet, and they float like butterfies when they're planted amongst other things. They do self-seed. I got them from a heirloom seed house a few years ago-- under the name "Monet's Choice". The email link seems to have been removed from member pages, so you can e-mail me at bevw#idirect.com (anti-spam format). Or you can try Spring Arbour Farm.

I don't have them, but I wonder if you are thinking of pot marigolds (calendula officianalis)? They are very pretty. I'm not a huge fan of tagetes, so these could be a great alternative.

I'm not all that partial to the single roses as they look too much like the wild ones that grow here. So while they are pretty I'd think twice before paying good money for a single rose. However I do like the old-fashioned hollyhocks. I also suspect they are tougher plants. I've had great difficulty growing the 'fancy' hollyhocks altho had no trouble with the singles. I like the ruffled tulips and IMO the double geraniums are an improvement over the old plain insignificant ones. I guess for me it depends on the plant and I don't mind that hybridizers improve on plants altho some I don't consider an improvement but I don't have to buy those. However I have had the thought to do an old fashioned garden but I know I couldn't keep it 'pure'. I do like to let some plants self-seed and the 'improved' ones probably won't come true so I'll always keep some of my 'weeds'. I like having some plants that may have been grown hundreds of years ago in a cottage garden.

Hello again. I already posted a response that I would not plant at all near the wall. Here's maybe a better response. IF I lived on your property and IF I decided to plant adjacent to the wall, I believe I would use sheet composting, sometimes also called lasagna composting. What I am imagining is not a long thin strip running the entire length of the wall, but isolated deeper curving beds located at choice spots. The approach is to map out your planting area, then start layering compostable material over the area: start with cardboard or newspaper,then pile on grass clippings, straw if it's available, shredded leaves that you've chewed up with the lawnmower, other garden debris and weeds that you've chewed up with the lawnmower, pine needles, manure whatever you can get your hands on. Be sure to wet each layer down, especially the cardboard. I've done this and it works. It is not instant gratification, but if you're into hostas, you already are a patient gardener. It might take up to 2 years to get a bed ready to go depending upon the content of your layers, but you'll have minimal digging to do. Once sheet composting has done its magic for a year or two, you won't need to till the area - just make little holes and pop in your plants. If you want plants that may require some shade, like hostas, I would not battle with the existing trees that are growing right next to the stone wall. Plant a new tree situated away from the wall by 20 feet or so. Locate the tree so that it's creating afternoon shade in your future planting area. How about a dogwood? Want a fast growing tree? River birch are amazingly fast growers. 10 years from now add a bench and a birdbath in the middle of your shady hosta haven and invite me over for a mint julep.