Flower buds for spring bloom are formed in the summer and early fall. If this area is in really dense shade, bloom will be significantly reduced. Direct sun in the winter is pretty hard on rhododendrons and azaleas as well. Winter sun, especially when combined with low temperatures and wind, can and does do serious damage, especially to evergreen azaleas. It might be worth trying one or two azaleas in this area to see how they do - protection from winter sun and wind with burlap or other type of screen will help a great deal - but I certainly wouldn't commit to an entire hedge without a trial planting.

I have a pretty large bed that wraps around the north side of my house which gets zero sun in the winter and a full day of baking sun in the summer. Does anyone have any suggestions for plants that will thrive in this environment? So far I have tried salvias (too shady), hostas (too sunny), astilbe (probably too sunny), ipomoea (too shady). I have a japanese maple that is hanging in there, a hydrangea that is hopefully hanging in there and a couple of abutilon that seem happy. So far, hellebores seem to love this site, but I need some ground cover to plant with them. Thanks!

I live in Northern IL - Kane County. we have over an AC and the lot is split between full sun and full shade. Due to water issues in the area, we have to choose plants that are drought torrent to survive in our yard! Balloon Flowers have done very well in both shade and full sun. At fist, I wasn't that happy with them as the flowers don't last for a long time, nor do the spread quickly. The GOOD NEWS is this yr. they did very, very well with our sever drought conditions............. I have several that seeded down and were in a location I didn't want them so I really didn't water them and they survived!!! Black -eyed Susan same as above! However, they will wilt down if they don't receive some form of water occasionally. The good news is once you see them start to wilt, give them a little water and they will come roaring back! They will also seed down for you! Another favorate is Purple Cone Flowers, and they come in White, Yellow, RED, and Pink. They have a very nice decorative flower head. And if you deadhead them, they will continue to flower all summer with Little to no maintenance. Just added the Red one's this yr and I love them!!!!! A few other to consider are; Jacob's Ladder, Lavender,Speedwell, Yarrow (long lasting but get tall and gangly, but the bee's and butterfly love it) Best of wishes with your garden! - AL

If this isn't new construction, wait a year before actually planting since there may be bulbs and other plants you aren't aware of. For new construction that won't be an issue, but you may need to do soil improvement around the foundation since I've known builders to bury constructions rubble such as extra concrete or wood trimmings there. Builders often strip the topsoil as well, so check out what is there before planting and do any bed prep needed. If you haven't gardened before, make the beds deeper (front to back) than you think you will want (5' minimum) and look up the mature size of the plants and leave at least an extra foot between where the shrub will reach and the wall of the house. That lets you have space to do maintenance such as painting and cleaning windows and allows enough air circulation around the building so that it can dry. Plantings will look quite sparse the first few years, but I fill in with annuals until the shrubs and perennials reach size.