Yours just might be "the Room with a View" that can't be altered to any great extent. Anything that grows tall is also going to grow wide. And are there any mechanicals or means of ingress or egress that can't be blocked? I see a downspout so rainwater runoff has to be maintained. Does that spill out somewhere off property or is it connected to city runoff pipes? How much weight can your fence take? What is it, rolled bamboo? With no ground, everything would have to be in planters. I'm asking a lot of questions and have absolutely no answers. Would you consider adding a stained glass panel to the inside of your windows - they admit light, would be pretty with the sun streaming through, can be found at antique shops or architectural salvage - and there are many talented artisans who display their wares at craft fairs. Could even have a custom piece made in colors complimenting your interior decor.

This was such a funny 'happening' with Jazz. When I was reading about the Raven on the Mantel, I knew exactly which one you meant..because I really liked that one and remember when you got it. I was also wondering how in the world did he do that and like Luvs said..w/o disturbing anything else up there. You almost need those surveillance cameras to keep an eye on him...or at least a 'motion detector' ! I've actually seen video on YouTube where people use the hidden cameras to see what their pets do when they're gone..lots of funny stuff that goes on - Can you imagine Jazz ?? jane

Very possible that the little black fellows are aphids. If so, they suck plant sap and will weaken the plant. Rub them off, or use direct hits of insecticidal soap, diluted according to label directions. In both cases, repeat as needed. I'm not able to see enough detail to suggest what the white might be.

I would have to agree with Steve that Siberian iris is a better choice than bearded iris, at least in my opinion and experience. Not only does mine bloom faaaaaaar better, but the foliage stays nice all summer, almost acting like an ornamental grass, while the leaves of the bearded iris start to look pretty ragged and worn out shortly after the flowers have faded. However, I believe Siberian's also like quite a bit more water than bearded's, so there's that. Speaking of ornamental grasses, I always recommend those as often as possible. After all, the Front Range was, once upon a time, a prairie landscape. They are also nearly year-round interest and are reliable in our climate. 3-4 hours of sun might be limiting though. Monarda, coneflower (echinacea) and liatris are some "color" that I think can work in part shade too. Also echoing Steve though, I had better stop, I am not well versed in perennials myself.