Hi Natureperson, You have quite the menu of options! What do you want to see? Flashy flowers, reliable flowers, or just something that generally looks really nice, flowers or not? You can have a mix, and I'm sure you'll get lots of good suggestions from others, but for my money, you can't go wrong starting with some nice coleus (probably not from Lowe's... go a little more high-end for something really nice), and a couple of sweet potato vines (ipomea). For flowers, I personally like fuchsia (do be careful how you pronounce that!), although begonias might do well in the situation you're talking about, and then you can get something really flashy going if you want to. There's always impatiens: personally I'm a fan of the "new guinea" strains... their foliage tends to be more interesting that the more regular types, which helps to carry you through when the bloom is less prominent. Personally, I'd also try to weave some silver foliage into the mix - dusty miller or artemisia - but that's just one of my personal likes. When I put together a planter such as that you're talking about, the bottom line is I'm effectively trying to create a living bouquet, and contrasting foliage is a big part of that for me. I like the look that you end up with (it's typically busy, but using foliage means that you're not so reliant on getting flowers). Different strokes for different folks, though... there are so many options that it really comes down to a matter of personal taste, and what "look" you're going for. Regardless, remember that it's just for this year... try some things, see what works and what doesn't, and keep note. Next year, you can keep the favorites and try different things to replace what you didn't like, or you can start over again completely. One other thing... depending on how big the urns are, and how they're placed, you might also want to think about tucking a small trellis into the back (or the center) and getting some climbers involved. The extra height never seems to disappoint! Have fun, and I hope they turn out to your satisfaction!

Yews and Cherry laurels like (ieOtto Luyken laurels) do great in the shade. I currently have china boy holly to the left of my front door. I have a similar space to the right of my door but it gets no light due to the roofline. Look up the definition of Landscape Design principals - look for --- Balance. You really do not need to plant a matching or similar plant on both sides of the door. And the selections should be tall - like the holly. Your goal is to welcome you to the front entrance. Try not plant shrubs that would be taller than the person coming to the door. Here is a link that might be useful: Garden design Ideas

OMG, Olychick, the similarities are amazing . . . and the price for the two is pretty amazing, as well! Although I have no desire to sell my family heirloom, I'm shocked at how old it may turn out to be and how valuable! Thanks so much for taking the time to find that for me. I'm going to email the seller and see if he/she will take a look at my pics and give me an opinion. Lynn

I'm wondering about the same shades - I need a solar screen but don't want to introduce PVC inside the house - already too many toxic chemicals in the cocktail we breath. I love the idea of catching the heat before it penetrates the glass. Does anyone have any experience with these outdoor shades? Do they blow around in the wind? Are they easy to operate? How much of the view do they obscure? Do they work? I also read someplace that they can only be all-up or all-down, no inbetween settings. Is this true? Can't have the shade only half-closed? Thanks.