Shrub bed ideas (flower, Honeysuckle, grass, front yard)

[tmr1188]

Anyone have some good thoughts on shrubs for this bed? I intend to take the rhododendron out as it grew sideways. Thanks!

[tmr1188]

This is in connecticut.

[Lost Roses]

Is that your front yard? Do you want a barrier from the street or just something decorative? Flowering or not?

[tmr1188]

Originally Posted by Lost Roses

Is that your front yard? Do you want a barrier from the street or just something decorative? Flowering or not?

Yes it is the front. Something decorative. Flowering is nice. I was thinking a Japanese maple and some small shrubs.

[kinkytoes]

OP have you planted anything yet? You may want to test the soil. As for sun...it looks like a full sun area. Here are my suggestions:
1. Flowering cherry - Get a cold-hardy deciduous one. I've read on one of the blogs I frequent that sargentii type cherries have proven to be pretty disease resistant. Early spring blooms and fall color.

2. Weigela - I love these. Because I don't have one! They are in the honeysuckle family, I believe and like soil more on the sweet side. You can pick from flower colors from yellow to pink to red (or mixes) and foliage from pale green to almost black or variegated foliage.

3. Diervilla Sessilifolia - Kodiak Orange. Proven winners sells this. It is native.

4. Panicum Virgatum - This is a native grass. The Northwind cultivar stands straight up in the air. There are others with red foliage and other ornamental qualities. I'd say mix it up.

You can add a Japanese maple, but many will burn and be unhappy in full, hot sun. If that is what you have, you can check for a more sun-tolerant cultivar such as acer palmatum "Trompenburg." This was in one of my issues of fine gardening as a recommended dark-leaved Japanese maple.

[Isleofpalms85]

What Zone are you in? I would think that with the moderating influence from the Atlantic Ocean you might be in at least a zone 6, possibly a Borderline Zone 7 if you are located closer to the coast? What part of Connecticut are you situated in? These questions once answered will determine which shrubs could be given considerations for planting in your location.