You don't say what your climate is, or whether you prefer natives or exotics, flowers or foliage, so it's hard to be specific. Some bulbs like shade, and others go dormant early enough for the maple's shade to be irrelevant. Some species of the genus Bellium (English daisies) form low groundcover in fairly deep shade, as do some Arenaria species. Epimedium, tricyrtis, and some species of anemone, corydalis and primula flower well in shade. And there's always ferns, many of which are very dainty.

Sherry, I don't know whether we have sassafras anywhere nearby. I live in the city and while I know there are various types of native trees growing around town, I'd not be able to recognize Sassafras trees. When I was little, grandma would dig the roots and make winter tea from Sassafras, but I'd not know the plant on my own. I am just sick over this but I don't know what I can do right now to help them. I'll call around to the local nurseries as soon as they open and see if anyone has this plant but it's doubtful. Not many native plants are offered locally. I've just ordered 8 more spicebush plants and plan to take out a bed of Azaleas and plant them there. It is an understory bed and has auto sprinklers so it should be the perfect spot for them. I know it won't help the little guys that are out there now, but at least I'll be growing something helpful to the butterflies in that bed. I may have to use some of the new plants to replace those I have growing right now, as they are now just bare branches except for the tatters of nests. Poor little guys just barely covered with their bit of leaf nest that hasn't been eaten. Their little comical 'faces' poking out of the nest opening. It just breaks my heart. Thank you for the suggestion. If I thought I could recognize a sassafras tree, I'd go looking. Mary

OOOH!!! You must be having a ball ! Couple of tips before they drywall. Over every main floor cold air return see if they can install built-in cabinetry. I found a huge space in the master bedrm foyer over the cold air return which ducted down to the unit under the house. That space would have been covered and wasted but is now two cabinets (one on top of the other) for blankets or spare quilt on the bottom and our carry on luggage in the top cabinet. Opened another shelving unit in the master bath that would have been blank wall. Now it is a hamper area below and nice open shelving on top. If bldr hasn't put in cabinetry yet to master vanities, have him put an outlet back there in the wall that will line up with your drawers or your open area below. That way, your hairdryer is always plugged in and ready. It's also helpful in any other bathrooms. Rather than plug in your hairdryer or curling iron etc. in the wall outlet and have the cord dragging all your stuff off the counter..this way works great! It is cheaper to add outlets now during the build. Put them everywhere. Fergit code.. think about use or you'll only have one every 6' or so. You'll want extras on the porch so you can keep foods warm, make a pot of coffee outdoors. They'll probably be the covered exterior type outlets. I had a cable outlet and two phone jacks out there on the porch too. Is your main gathering room (den/greatroom) set in your mind as far as furniture placement? If so, you might want to consider having floor outlets..you know the kind with the brass round covers flush with the floor. (if you're going with hw floors) That way you can be more creative with furniture placement and tables for lamps. Are you having it pre-plumbed for central vacuum? If so, be sure there's an outlet within 5' of the vac tube opening. And, look into the sweep-to pans. I had mine put in after construction when I was sure where drafts pushed the dog hair/dust to collect. They can't be installed on just any wall because of the anchor 2x4 but they work great in the base of cabinets. A hose tap on every side of the house and one close to the driveway (washing the car of pine and oak pollen). Wow..you do have some pines. Have you taken soil samples all around the yard yet? While they're moving soil still you could have them build you a rise or a slight berm if you like Mediterranean type plants that like less water on their roots. Will you have lighting up the driveway or reflectors on the pines? Can't you just envision that long treelined driveway bounded by flowering shrubs? Thanks for the link to your photos.

Glenda, I love your adoration of Parke, Jr. I have a young person in my extended family that I feel the same about. They can do no wrong, even when they do wrong! Haha! Parke, Jr. has certainly grown from an adorable little boy into a fine, handsome young man. And I know he adores his grandmother.