Carol, knowing what breed of dog you have might help elicit the most appropriate suggestions. I don't believe you said you didn't walk your dog. It's perfectly normal for people to want to have their dog outside with them without being able to run away into danger, and to be able to 'use the facilities' without a person having to go outside with them. Barrels do not taper toward the bottom, so would provide solid fence sections with no gap at the bottom like the shape of a traditional flower pot. There are individual pots that do not taper, and rectangular planters that could be purchased, or you might enjoy making some, IDK. I would probably use evergreen shrubs, like Gardenia, Osmanthus, Azalea, Rosemary, with other plants tucked between. Knowing how much light this area should get, and what time of day, and your garden zone, would help with more specific suggestions. You can find your zone by typing your ZIP code in the box on this page. Stored in your profile (link to edit here) it will show up next to your name automatically when you post.

Oh, I would love a porch like that! Lucky you. Yes, hanging baskets would be wonderful. If you do flower boxes, I would suggest doing what raven said-keep the plants in pots that you can change out when they start looking bad. You could even have some you trade in and out from a spot with more sun. You could try begonias interspersed with foliage plants like caladium and coleus. I just ordered from Rosy Dawn Gardens-they have some really interesting coleus. Can't comment on their quality yet since my order hasn't arrived, but here is a link-so many colors and patterns-can't wait to get mine! coleus

Thank you @Kevin Reilly! I bought a bunch of this a while ago - think it would be ok if I mixed in some perlite? https://www.floragard.de/de-de/webshop/2037/floragard-bio-erde-lecker Peat-free organic special earth, suitable for tomatoes, zucchini, aubergines and other fruit vegetables Rich and healthy harvest thanks to the vegan fertilizer Flora Veggie Power Finely screened green waste compost contributes to the nutrient supply and invigorates the earth Safe for children, pets and animals in the garden thanks to the vegan fertilizer Coconut pulp naturally improves the water supply in the earth You can use this peat-free and vegan organic soil for all vegetable plants - whether in the greenhouse, in the bed or in the tub.

why did you buy 45 degree angled corner piece for a flat front surface? Those are only for corners. if he needs to to do an inch or two to finish the edges, have him get something else for the border, or he will need to cut stone pieces to fit like a puzzle piece. this is 45 degree angle application. you don't have this. just use the straight panels