I have lily of the valley and 3 kinds of asters to trade. I would be interested in the oxalis, bog irisi and soapwort. Stacie

Sunlight Gardens, a mail-order nursery with a very good selection of regional natives, especially recommends the Dutchman's Pipe or Pipevine (Aristolochia macrophylla) for "screening" uses in a shady location. This vine will grow in sun or shade although probably not really deep shade. Not evergreen; however, the large, 6 to 12 inch, heart-shaped leaves, will effectively cover a fence or trellis during the growing season. The plant is named for the shape of the flowers. More description: "Dutchmans Pipe is a common vine in moist southern Appalachian hardwood forests in coves and along stream banks easily twining 20 to 30 feet high. It has been popular as a porch screen for ages because it is fast growing, has large heart shaped leaves, and has odd little flowers. The two inch pale brownish purple flowers are pipe shaped or s-shaped with a widely flaring triangular "mouth" perfect for catching careless flies. The curious looking early summer flowers are borne sparsely among the wide leaves. Try it on a trellis for screening or let it ramble among shrubs and trees. It likes good moist soil and can take either shade or sun." For even more information, see http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=J410 "Will quickly provide dense cover for sun porches, verandas, pillars, posts, trellises, arbors, fences or walls. Has been used for many years to screen front porches, and is capable of creating a deep shade." And, as a further benefit, pipevine (Aristolochia) is the main host plant for the caterpillar of the beautiful pipevine swallowtail butterfly, described here. (So if you do plant this vine, and then eventually a weird looking black caterpillar with orange spikes all over its body shows up, please take good care of your "babies" and don't spray them!) http://www.fcps.k12.va.us/StratfordLandingES/Ecology/mpages/pipevine_swallowtail.htm Here is a link that might be useful: Dutchman's Pipe Vine available - Sunlight Gardens

My two recommendations, based on my own experience only (in Austin), would be ligustrum or boxwood. Although these are both "part sun" plants, mine live in basically full-shade conditions (the shade is from cedar elm and ash juniper, so it is not the dark shade like from large oak trees). The boxwood grows very slowly in these conditions, but stays green and healthy-looking. The ligustrum can get a little leggy, but if you prune in the spring it will fill out within the year. Ed.

kcblu, First let me disclaim that I have no formal education in architecture, or horticulture. I apologize for any typos, or mistakes on the botanical names. Some friendly tips that us help you to consider for the future. When describing the area be detailed and concise. The type of shade is very important to determining the right type of plant. A bed that is located under or near a large shade tree is very different from being shaded by a tall building. The direction, or side of the house is also very important. Your soil type is crucial (topsoil, clay, sandy etc). Most importantly, what are your goals/preferences/wants. For example "I don't like gold color, I want something narrow with a max height of 6-7', I want it to be evergreen. In my experience I usually try keep people that are not active gardeners away from what I consider sensitive plants like rhododendron, holly and hemlock. Depending on your environment, many of these acid loving plants are picky about their soil, and exposure, and you don't seem like the type of person that wants plants that need a lot of attention to establish, and survive. As the bed exists I think the picea pungens 'glauca pendula' was a great suggestion for its durability, and slow growth. See also a named variety called 'the blues.' 'Glauca pendula' can sometimes have a more contorted structure (which many like myself enjoy for character that is unique to each plant) where 'the blues' has a stronger weeping habit and will remain more slender. Picea abies 'pendula' (see also 'frohburg' 'formanek' etc). Very similar plant but dark green. Options are endless as mentioned above. Myself I would plant chamaecyparis 'green arrow', but you might not want that kind of height. Try not to be overwhelmed by the project. When designing, I often want the customer to let me start with a blank slate, but as a homeowner, I understand budgets. Focus on one small project at a time that you can afford, and can physically achieve. I have to agree that removing the deciduous foundation plants, and planting green velvet boxwood in an arch, or L shape 5-6 feet from the house with a deciduous tree in the remaining open area is a viable option as well. You could go low with something like acer dissectum 'tamukeyama' (the best red weeping / cascading japanese maple in my opinion). Or something that could be maintained with an open / airy structure like cornus kousa, acer japonicum acontifolium / vitifolium, for color acer palmatum bloodgood / emperor one. Fagus s. tricolor / roseo marginata could work short term, but despite their slow growth may be problematic post 10-15 years. See also acer palmatum ryusen (can be staked to any height), and acer palmatum 'green cascade'. I like the idea of liquidambar 'slender silhouette, but you may not like that much height, and you would need some size elsewhere to balance the look. Tall and linear can really help with an entrance like yours. Local garden centers may offer free or affordable design services that can help you get a plan together that you can pick away at as funds become available. Please be courteous though, and do not abuse their services by shopping their prices at competitors if you like their design ideas. Most of all remember that this should be about having fun, and being proud of the end result.