Audric: I truly appreciate your feedback. It's funny but you zoned in on the two things that I was not sure of. I agree with you about the semicircles (My mantra is "Make it Simple) I put them in to provide a hard area for someone stepping out of a car but mulch will probably work just as well. Again, the stone walls were an afterthought - they are too small and not really necessary. So I will eliminate both those features. Regarding the center of the strips are you saying fill the space with stones or with plant material? bullthistle: (I love your web site!) Are you sure about crape myrtle? Everything I see about crape myrtles says full sun. The picture you are seeing was taken in "winter" (Florida winter) and that side does get some sun. But it gets nothing in the summer - basically it's under the oak tree. I was planning to plant some random mondos between the stepping stones. I didn't know liriope spread. I have giant liriope in the front yard and they have been very polite so far.

msjam2. beautiful picture! i have ZD and she doesn't like me. and the rebloom is scant. but she is certainly happy where you have her! campanula, i will check into MGS, lovely foliage is a real plus!! and Snowgoose, as the David Austin usa location is close to me. I have MAC, and she does have a mind of her own, but i do like her. haven't heard of Open Arms or Laura Ford...i'll investigate. vicky and merilia, while i do love New Dawn, I have it, and hate to repeat flowers. I don't get alot of repeat with mine, a shame, as the bloom is so lovely and delicate. lou, yes, i left out some basics!! what i mean, is on the front wall of my north facing khaki/green tinted painted brick home. soft colors look best, and whites with a tint are a good choice here. i have mainly old roses, so pastels and reds. but, i think pastels for the front would be my first choice. all good ideas, should have specified a few things... REPEAT BLOOM, MANAGEABLE, NOT KILLER THORNS, PASTEL, NOT A HOUSE EATER!! AND of course, NORTH FACING WALL OF HOME. TWO STORY. thanks!!

The columns are personal preference. I like interior architecture, and defining spaces without using walls. It is fairly common when you have a single structural column to pare it with a non structural one for balance, unless the single one is located where it seems natural. Yours looks like it is not at a corner of anything. I don't understand why you need it in that specific location. If it were moved about 4' towards the powder room it would be at the corner of the great room and start of the vault.

Tanalised gravel boards, damproofing membrane and raise the soil level. All you soil will, eventually migrate through the neighbours fence so although you will need to replace treated timber every 10 years of so, it is not a huge expense.