Other plants would be competitive and harmful to the arborvitae. Be patient. Give them good extra good care to speed them on their way.

Thank you, Yardvaark.

there is no reason you could not plant things in a row 2 or 3 feet in front of them ... but not between them ...

think sunflowers... anything of width and height..

you might want to try the annuals or perennials forums ...

ken

It should be clarified that the "2' or 3' in front of" should be a vacant gap where light can enter. There shouldn't be anything planted that will shade any part of the arborvitaes.