You might want to consider other factors. For the design beyond what your photo shows of the patio and overhead deck. . Among them would be the views from the house out to the neighbors and also down to the garden, where you might want screening versus not blocking views, whether you'd actually prefer some tree height and shading up closer to the deck or prefer it more open, whether that patio is large enough for how you intend to use it or should be expanded, etc. Just proposing some plantings for the limited View you've posted doesn't address any of these larger issues. More photos from different viewpoints within the yard, from the deck looking out and down, and views from inside the house looking out would help give a better idea of the context. My first impression is one of being totally exposed while on that deck, no shade and no interest or potential focus within the existing bare garden.

Kris, I think you are missing the point. With few exceptions there is no valid reason why most Miscanthus cultivars CANNOT be cut back in fall. A good many are hardy to zone 4, the vast majority to zone 5 and few more tender cultivars to zone 6. With the exception of the slightly more tender condensatus cultivars, they are root hardy to at least -20F, some to -30F. It is highly unlikely leaving the dead stalks through winter will significantly increase winter hardiness except in very marginally hardy cases. Cutting back in spring for most OG's is only an option, not a requirement. I am also a bit confused about a couple of other statements you made. "the majority of the public only grows Miscanthus". That's a pretty broad statement and unlikely to be supported by fact. In a number of southwestern states, including Kentucky, Miscanthus sinensis and many of its cultivars are considered invasive and not recommended to be grown. And you are ignoring the popularity of scores of other grass species - Calamagrostis, Panicums, Pennisetums, Deschampsia, Stipas and all the native prairie grasses and sedges that are so popular, not to mention bamboos and all the grass-like plants commonly grouped as OG's, like liriope and mondo grass. Gardeners are a diverse bunch and live and garden in diverse conditions and making blanket statements such as this is innaccurate and misleading. Miscanthus is not easily damaged by cold except in areas of borderline hardiness, like most other plants. While I currently live and garden in zone 8, I have also gardened in colder climes and cutting back most miscanthus in zone 5 (eastern WA) in fall or early winter never compromised the health of the plants I grew there. I would look to other reasons why your miscanthus are not doing well if cut back in fall or early winter as opposed to spring. And finally I think you are confusing aesthetic concerns with cultural requirements. Cutting back dead top growth of any herbaceous plant can be done at any time. There is some slight benefit afforded by leaving dead plant material intact over the winter but only an increase of a few degrees of protection, far less than what would be accomplished by mulching or by the insulating factor of snow. Certainly not a concern when the plant in question is hardy to a zone or two or more lower than your current location. And in areas where miscanthus is invasive, it makes very good sense to cut the grasses back early so that the seed is not dispersed by winter winds. As for my responsibilities as a professional in the green industry, I am well aware of them. And the dispersal of accurate information is paramount among them. And if I were you, I'd be a bit more concerned about your responsibilities as a green industry professional in encouraging the planting and spread of potentially invasive plants in your area. Here is a link that might be useful: Kentucky - invasive species

My suggestions would include: daylilies, 'hot lips' sage, salvias, shasta daisies, catmint and lambs ear. For evergreens try rosemary and sky pencil holly, and lavender if it grows in your area. I don't think these would litter too much. Include some asters and blue mist shrub for fall color, and some spring bulbs like crocus, iris and daffodils for early spring color. If you have some shady areas, you may want to try gardenias, hostas, pulmonaria. I'm sure others will have lots of suggestions. I just tried to think of things that didn't have many falling petals or leaves.

On the poison ivy, it's very easy to identify in the growing stage. You can see pictures on Google. All parts of the plant is poisonous as all times, so once you learn to identify the leaves, study the aerial roots and stems and avoid the plant during winter as well. It's very easy to get rid of. Cut any climbing vines and spray the rest with roundup. It will come back so let it get 2-3' ht and spray it again. Repeat this process until it is gone. If one comes in contact with it accidentally, a soapy shower will wash off the toxin. Be careful not to touch the dirty clothes again. I've been exposed and gone 20 or 25 minutes (I think) before washing it off and escaped injury. (It was awhile back so the sooner, the better.)