I know you don't want the trees to come down, but my concern is the proximity of the trees to the house. They are awfully close and could cause some damage either to the foundation or structure of the house.

I would treat the bed as a full sun area since it gets the hottest sun of the day in the afternoon. This opens it up to things like lantana, autumn sage, dwarf ornamental grasses, etc. Try dwarf Hamlen grass since they make nice clumps only about 12 inches tall and are low maintenance. Rock rose would be another good one that would take some shade and bloom. I would also recommned backing up those perennials with something evergreen like Carissa hollies. You might have to install risers on the sprinkler system to reach everything, but those are very inexpensive and easy to switch out from the pop-ups currently in place.

I have a bed just like that. >.Some nandina along the back row would be nice; there's a variety that gets really red in the winter, which would add some color for year-round interest.

I agree with denise, look for hardy full-sun plants. I second all her above selections. Salvias and mums would do well there also. Annuals/tropicals to consider: cuphea, hibiscus, mexican heather, moss rose.

Thank you both very much!

I think the nandina mommyfox is talking about is the Gulfstream variety. Don't get the Nana variety - looks very sickly all the time. The gulfstream is more upright and only gets to 3-4 feet tall. There is also Moon Bay that gets real pretty red in the winter too. It grows to about the same height as gulfstream, but I think the leaves are a little smaller.

Another idea completely would be to put up a trellis on the western side of the bed. It would block the western sun in the afternoon if you got one that had small openings. The link is to one that I wouldn't necessarily pick, but gives you an idea of what I'm talking about. That way she could have a more shaded bed and plants that she likes.
I also, am concerned about the proximity of the trees to the foundation, but understand the need for afternoon shade.

Here is a link that might be useful: possible trellis idea

Thanks again for the suggestions! She sincerely appreciates everyone who took time to respond.

I can understand your frustration. My motherinlaw has an area like that I have been trying to grow things in for the last few years.Society garlic looks good all year and blooms too. even my motherlaw can't kill it. Also asparagus fern for a different texture. The area doesn't look too deep for me so I wouldn't put anything that would get too big. maybe a prostrate rosemary and some dwarf Katie ruellia.

Thank you teacup!