Once it is completed who will care for the plants? That might impact how much is going to be planted and what plants selected. Also It may be good to ask what the garden center owner what he is willing to donate.

There are volunteers at the center that will take care of the plants, we also may have to do a volunteer day a couple times a year. We definitely need lower maintenance plants/shrubs.Here is another pic.. The garden center told us to put in a request, anything they can't provide could also be purchased, we have a $500 budget as well..

Thanks

Here are some suggestions that re-use the Iris and Liriope. Once plants are installed, it's important that they are weeded regularly during the establishment period ... especially perennials as it's difficult to eradicate weeds from them after they've gotten a foothold. Mulches will help, but weeds need to be eradicated first.

I like the idea to move around the existing plants...Do you think it would be a good idea to create a bed along the stairs and up around the concrete walkout as well? Is there a shrub you would reccomend to plant with the Iris/Liriope. Also - what tree would you reccomend, something smaller that flowers, maybe dogwood or redbuds? Thanks!

I would only create a bed along the steps IF it was a low (less than 8" ht.,) tough groundcover with a bed width matching the upper landing. Know that installing a groundcover where there were formerly weeds requires diligence in making sure that weeds do not return. If they do, then the work is in vain.

I would not plant a shrub WITH the Iris/Liriope ... but only INSTEAD of it or in that alternate place I mentioned.

Usually, with these volunteer & charity situations, there is limited variety of plants available. Once you know what's available, pick what you know to be good or post a question about it here.