You know, that's a really compact clump of yucca- instead of fighting it, why not use it along with the cedar and other shrub as winter backbone? They do have nice fragrant white blooms in summer. If it were spread out or a huge clump, i'd fuss with it, but if you're wanting to make life simple... leave it be. I'd say it depends on the compost whether you till it in. If it seems like it has a good bit of earthy stuff for the plants to dig into, then no, but if it's more top dressing stuff, perhaps till in half and top with compost. The quality can vary year to year and by the time of year, depending on what they are shredding and composting. If you're in wake co, you will need to find a truck/hauler to haul it for you, but the compost itself is fairly cheap- like 30 a big truckload full. City runs 2 for 1 specials sometimes, too. Meaning pay for 1 load, get the second free that same day- but you'd still need to pay for hauling. You could do a lasagna type bed- layer on newspaper, ect, and build up with out messing with tilling at all. There's been a good bit posted about it, and there are at least 2 books. It really does work if you have a little patience/time. There is a thread for the swap on the exchanges forum. It should have the where what when info- tho i can tell you quickly it's may 8th, at white deer park in garner. Doesn't matter if you're a newb. We always have some. Just bring some good food and anything you have to spare that you think gardeners could use- pots, hoses, rocks, etc. Even shallow boxes would be appreciated as folks always need them to haul away their new found goodies.

Have you considered allysum? I know it isn't a perenial, but it does reseed itself quite easily, and comes in a variety of colors. There is also viola. I have a variety in my garden, I believe its "King Edward." It is a velvety dark purple with bright yellow centers. It spreads quickly, (its even spilling into the lawn!) but I am not sure if this is from reseeding or root runners. Either way it's beautful. I have mine growing in full sun with no problems, even during dry, hot weather. They started blooming in the spring and are still going strong.

Hi there, I have a brick wall (part sunny, part in the shade) which I would like to fill with, first, tulips and then oriental lillies. Next to these I would like to add a sun perennial that is ground covering and long blooming. I am thinking about the Rozanne hardy geranium or asters or plumbago (although I think the latter may be better for the more shady spots). Any ideas which would work better for horticultural reasons?

Lantana camara is invasive, but there are sterile cultivars. Lantana montevidensis was once touted for not producing viable seeds, but the invasive status for this plant has changed to invasive in some frost-free sections of states (Florida, Gulf states and California mainly). It is not as invasive as the species L. camara, however.