Melissa, yes, brunnera is a perennial, and one of the earliest signs of spring. If you like variegated foliage there are many fancy cultivars these days, but I like just the straight species as well.

I think it would do ok Melissa as long as it gets morning sun.... and use a fertilizer made for trees and shrubs specifically for acid loving plants. Only dig the hole as deep as the root ball and 3x's as wide. Gently loosen the rool ball if it's rootbound. Don't completely cover the root ball when planting it. Leave a very small amount around the main stem exposed. . Don't forget to mulch but not right up to the main stem of the plant either because you can suffocate it. I know this ...»

Looking at this again, I think I would like only one type of flowers here - the colorful Impatiens to bring life to the mother and child. Those would compliment the all white gardenias along the walk and be so Heavenly. I would love to see this.

Melissa K, whenever I'm putting in new plants, I add moisture crystals to the prepared soil. This will help them get started, since the soil won't dry out as quickly; it works in plant beds as well as for potted plants. However, some potting soil does come with moisture control, so only add the moisture crystals if you've not purchased moisture control potting soil.

Did you get permission to obtain the pieces of material? How did you go about that? Thanks, Dana

I like the look alot!

Consider adding some Japanese aumtumn anemones, Melissa, which also like shade. They will be put up lovely wands of flowers until the first frost, maybe a little later. "Honorine Jobert" is a classic white wine, but there are nice pink ones like "September Charm." With this combination your blooming season can start early with the brunnera, continue through summer with the impatiens and go on right into fall with the anemones. Happy planting!

I would use the same color of impatiens to add impact..too many different colors will look jumbled especially in the small space. The hard part is picking the "one" color as there are many pretty ones. The impatiens won't come back next yr as they are annuals. Have fun this weekend & hope you are happy with the results!!

That was lucky!

As many colors as you like in any low steamed flower but keep the species the same as it would look more lush. What is your favorite little flower?

I can't speak from personal experience, Melissa, but they're listed on Clemson Cooperative Extension's "Plants for Shade":

http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants...

Melissa, you can use different short steamed flowers if you design a pattern with imagination - a circle of this and a circle of that. Just keep it uniform since it is a small place.

can't wait to see your new photos!!