Try the Perennials forum. This is a choice of plants question, not a landscaping one. And I think the problem with your design so far is the 'polka dotting', rather than the grouping of plants.

In general, Im not fan of alternating arrangements and that holds true here. They look schmaltzy and unsophisticated. What is the purpose of the shrubs? Are they supposed to screen and if so, from what?

Hi Yardvaark, The reason I put shrubs in is that the area is approximately 45 foot long by 15 foot large. I thought that it would be less expensive to use shrubs because they take up more place than perennials. I just want something attractive, and I have no idea how to go about this. Everything I come up with looks unsophisticated/boring. There are some perennials/bulbs/annuals that I love and would like to use: Russian sage, monardas, echinops, drumstick alliums, salvias, liatris, verbena bonariensis. I've easily sat at my computer for 20-30 hours over the past months, trying out stuff with the software, but nothing I come up with makes sense. I would like this to look good from all sides (because it will be viewed from all sides), and all the pictures I find with Google/Pinterest show only one side. I would be happy for any suggestions you could provide. I've read advice you've given to other users, and always thought it looked great.

Thank you both for your comments. I will get professional help. It's too big an area, i don't want to mess it up! :)

As for one side vs two sides, how about a zig zag? I work at a place that has a "zig zag" garden which is bordered by a split rail fence laid in a zig zag pattern. You could swing that in your yard, you have the space. That creates a series of alternating triangle shaped beds which are excellent for little trees, or shrubs or mixed perennial gardens. That's how we have it laid out.

Thanks Yaardvaark, I will post pictures once most of the snow has melted. There's still 4 feet of it everywhere.

Hello, I just wanted to post an update on my garden bed. I'm so glad I originally posted here. Thank you for your comments! It made me rethink my approach. I got some great advice from local professionals, and this is the final result:

Well that looks nice!

It looks good and now you just have to wait for things to fill in.