Unless you want this planting bed to appear as just a row of assorted plants, you need to increase the depth of your bed. I'd start at around 4' at a minimum and go deeper as possible. Then you might have sufficient space to develop groupings rather just a line-up. Aesthetically, evenly spaced plants of similar (or identical) appearance - unless being grown for a hedge - tend to not carry much impact and produce a jumpy, stuttered effect. Clustering tends to create more visual weight and impact, as well as being a more naturalistic approach. You may want to reconsider placement of the nandina and keep this thought in mind with the placement of the other plants. Otherwise, select for a pleasing combination of forms, textures and colors. And be sure to make proper allowances for the growing conditions preferred by each plant and group those with similar preferences together. I'd also have to assume some of those plants are going to be annuals or not winter hardy for you, as they are not here in my zone 8 - the impatiens, lemon verbena, gerberas, etc. Placement of these is not so critical, as they are only present for a season. I know it's a difficult practice to follow religiously - nurseries and garden centers are overly tempting at this time of year - but you will get far better results if you develop a plan before acquiring all the plants :-) If you design for specific plants and not just a collection you need to find homes for, you can be certain the all plants will have similar growing requirements and select for specific size and shape, texture or color and that you have enough, but not too many, to finish the design. Tweaking will always be necessary if you like to putter and you can always allow room for seasonal color.

Jess, I am so sorry to hear about Dixie. I know how you feel and my heart goes out to you. I am reaping some happyness after planting a rose too for our Springer, Patrick. We chose St. Patrick for him. It did not do that good last year, first year we planted it, but my oh my, what a beauty it is now I am so thrilled with it. Also too, I would recommend florabunda Amber queen for health colour, always in bloom, long lasting flowers and nicely fragrant - also very sturdy form of the bush, not a bit floppy. Amber Queen (Harkness) Good luck with your choice and a big hug. Pauline - Vancouver Island

I'd definitely split the rise and put the step at 5" high. Different-height steps in a run are a safety hazard. I'd probably make the width 4-5', centered on the door opening. That way someone won't fall off the side of the step if they step out toward the edge.

By my suggestions I'm not purporting to have worked out all the issues. I'm just suggesting some changes -- as an example -- that I think would make it a more organized and easier to "read" landscape. Probably the main thing I'd do is massage the circle drive to being more in front of the house, which would make it look like it is the main entrance point/path for the house. I think its position relative to the house is more important than it being a perfect "D"-shape. Even if planted plainly, which I don't think is the intention, the bed lines going to look distracting. Smoother bed lines would be easier to view and easier to maintain. You could still fill the beds themselves with all kinds of plant excitement ... even busying it up if that's what you like, but it would still look more civilized if the bed lines are clean and simple. The same principle applies for walks. They will seem less distracting to the overall flow if they are simple of curve. Again, I'm just trying to give you an example. You could evolve the plan many times over according to your latest thoughts and parameters. It's an ambitious plan. Good luck on implementing it as it would be an awesome transformation.