don't plan for it ahead of time. ;) These poor people were hit by a bad drought all summer long .... those Alberta spruces were dried out and ugly .... I spiral cut them for the time being, not sure if they will last and may need to be totally replaced come spring .... but for the time being, they look better than they did. We are going to keep moving ahead as their budget allows and eventually create island gardens in the yard, a back herb garden, and a water feature somewhere in the front.

spreads quickly and has glossy leaves and interesting shapes and textures as it fills in. Vinca is nice because it is low gowing, almost vin-ish along the ground and flowers. If your soil is a heavy clay, you may want to start amending it..... do you compost at all? You may want to consider starting, it will definitely help imrpove the soil.... and put a nice layer of top soil down to get the ground started.

Your house is so pretty, Marvin! You have a great start in the tiered beds too... Variegated hostas lining the front of the bed would be pretty, espcially with som impatiens tucked in between them and a bit of colorful columbine added into spaces. Also, don't forget the old fashioned bleeding hearts!