Early in the season, you could try an arc or dome of wire mesh over it to hold the stems straighter. If done at the right time, the foliage should hide the arc. It's one of the best plants in my garden. Drought tolerant, good foliage shape and color, low horizontal growth for the front of the border, very long bloom period. I like the relaxed sprawl.

Wonderful photos! Despite the snow we had yesterday, it is almost spring here...we are well into daffodil and tulip season already. I'm jealous of your finches. I've never had any in my yard, but I'm working on making them welcome!

You are not going to like my reply. LOL If I was faced with this problem, here is how I would go about solving it. The first issue is this. If you move the appliances to the right, are you moving them into a corner? If so, which way do the washer and dryer doors swing? Are they reversible? Will it be a problem to put clothes in and take them out? Those issues need to be considered. Laundry is a big enough PITA without fighting with the machinery. IF you decide to move them to the right or the left, I would rip open the drywall from floor to ceiling. The vent pipe for the dryer is going to be positioned wrong, no matter where you put these machines. Put the dryer vent slightly higher then where the vent opening in the dryer will be when stacked. The electrical outlet for the dryer may also be positioned wrong. However, I leave the existing box exactly where it is. Buy the correct blank cover plate for it and use it as a junction box only. Get a length of 10/3, a new box and two entrance clamps as needed to put the new box in the right position for the stacked appliances. Do the same thing with the washing machine outlet. Buy a blank cover for it and treat it like a junction box. Washing machine outlets are a dedicated service. Do not put an outlet back into that box. Put a new box in the correct spot behind the washing machine. You cannot conceal a junction box behind drywall so when installing the new drywall, cut for the old boxes and then install the blank cover plates. Move the plumbing and drain connections accordingly. Anything less is pure "mickey mouse" and will likely create issues for yourself, one way or the other. Especially the venting for the dryer. That is critical. Do it right the first time and you will only have to do it once.

I know Paul. But I would prefer to drink out of a glass that is 1/2 full than 1/2 empty. Remember when I said I personally got to know the 2 managers at Lowe's? They tell me the same thing you just said. In fact many times I have "pruned" the violets and succulent in Lowe's to their delight. But it is really my delight because they let me keep what I trim! I just wanted the plants to look a little more appealing. Course that doesn't get me any violet leaves, just a few succulent pieces that drop off. They also encouraged me to apply for a job there. I did. I got a polite rejection letter. Why? Because I could not answer to their satisfaction their insane questions about "what would you do if". Or "how would you handle this?" But it was multiple choice and really none of the answers applied. And you couldn't explain. sigh. I guess I am too old school for these modern online apps. And at the end of the day,,,,,,"Praise the Lord they do not sell puppies and kittens. Rosie the optimistic PS. I still love Rob's Sarsparilla! happy face!