I can't tell what the existing brick is doing--do you want to install rocks there? I can't help with that. But on the boxwoods--I thinks it would look nice to continue them under the window to the right. Remember that there are several different species and cultivars of boxwoods. Take a piece from yours with you to see if you can find matching ones. Do you know what the deciduous shrubs under the windows are? Just in case they are worth keeping? If you can continue the boxwoods and put your burning bushes in front of them, then I would want a low evergreen border. I agree on taking out the junipers. Where are you? location and zone will help with suggestions.

Yeah that sounds like a good idea Sheila...I never thought of something like that? How do those work exactly? And Seil I didn't plant in cardboard as in 'packaging the Rose came in' I mean I had moving style boxes I broke down and then I wet them down really good to put under mulch along the slope to deter weeds. I made sure to leave about 5" or so around each plant bare with a little mulch. I did however leave the soil on it when I planted, I didn't try to make bareroot? You think that could've caused it? I just want to know how to save these ...also it rained last night...not sure how hard because it ended at least an hour or two before I woke up so when I stuck finger in soil down so deep that I had no finger left! It felt pretty moist all the way down...but idk how much rain feel so idk if that could happen from the rain we just had overnight? And today has been overcast with next to no sun all day..so sun wasn't out to dry it out.

As Embo says, "Shearing is fine - with kinds of plants that lend themselves to it - when these are also located in suitable settings. Most modern settings are not suitable". Japanese holly, the variety Convexa is very suitable to shearing, more so than any of the Buxus. You should be able to grow it in your climate Logan. Just refrain from shearing it into balls and cubes. Anything but balls and cubes. This Crocagator is the only thing I shear in my garden. The pink Cynthia rhododendron has grown square all on it's own. I may have to change that. A good landscape should look like a good painting. Logan, you have plenty of enthusiasm, and with a little education and guidance, it can go a long way.

Scrap wood is certainly fine and it what I use in my garden. First make sure the box is located where it will get at least 6-8hrs of direct (no shade) sunlight, not daylight but direct sun. If you stand between it and the sun you will see your shadow. It looks like there may be some things nearby that will block the sun. < I should get a tomato cage for the tomato plant, right? Do the peppers need anything?> You can try the cages on the pepper plants, often the soil is too soft to support tomatoes in cages but can work for peppers which won't get as big or heavy. But for tomatoes I like Upright supports screwed to the side of the bed. I found some links from days gone by but feel free to search for more. http://forums.gardenweb.com/discussions/2162223/can-tomatoes-and-peas-climb-twine Vertical Support Not sure which side is North in your photo but make sure you plant your taller plants (tomatoes) on the North side. This is so the tall plants don't block the sun. Spacing can be taken from the seed packet - use the seed spacing after thinning since you won't be thinning. Draw it out on paper to see if you will have room for what you have planned. Keep a Garden Notebook. Each spring review what went well last year and what needs improvement. Winter is a good time to plan the next garden layout, plants, etc. Start small and try to avoid overcrowding. If you want more plants next year make another box. Cherry tomato plants tend to grow very tall (vines) and will provide lots of tomatoes. I am so glad you are teaching your son to garden. Kids are like sponges and learn so quickly then will ask you questions you never ever thought of to make you think AND learn. HTH and good luck. Any other questions?