I have a blueish-gray aluminunm siding two story house, about 30 years old. The front bed is straight across the house with four windows in front. I removed some giant hollies from that bed that were tall enough they were almost right underneath the second floor windows. I wanted more light in the first floor so I completely removed them. Now I am deciding on what to replant there. My idea is to build up the bed and put about a one foot high natural blueish-gray stone border for the bed. The bed is about 8-10 foot deep (from grass to foundation of house). I was thinking of planting yews in the back row and letting them grow to about four feet high and then prune them back to maintain that height as a hedge right underneath the first floor windows. In front of the yews as a secondary row would be barberries about two to 2 1/2 foot high. In front of those I was planning on planting some bedding flowers each year for color and variety. The area is partly shady with red virginia clay soil. I plan to do this in the next week or two. What do you all think, is this a good idea, or any suggestions for improving, or plants your don't like there?

My next phase will be to plant some crape myrtles on the side of the house in mostly sun, with an english ivy groundcover. Any other suggestions to make this better would be much appreciated. Thanks.

The first thing you should do is assess your growing conditions. How many hours of sunlight do you get there, it will be more probably in the summer. Usually south facing gets sun all day, the east in the morning, the west from midday on and the north practically none. That is if there is nothing but the house shading the area. If you are building up the soil be sure to add a lot of organic matter as well as good soil. How much water will the plants get there and how are you going to deal with watering. These are basic questions for choosing plants. All plants have specific light and water requirements and it's best to choose those that have the same requirements. When you are choosing plants look at the plant mature height and width, light and water requirements. It is usually on the plant tag and don't be afraid to ask questions at the nursery--not a big box store-- even if you buy your plants elsewhere. Nurseries often have staff that knows--big box stores don't.

Now for the layout of your beds. Plant your tallest items at the back and space them so they are between windows or at the corners of the house. Make sure these taller plants will not interfere with overhead wires or windows or anything else at maturity. A repeat of some plants is good but not a solid row, You can then fill in with the next size plants between and work out to smaller plants.

I suggest you have a look at landscape books and on line to get an idea of a well laid out flower bed looks and note how they have used plants. There are so many choices when using plants but you want one plant to show off the next one. If you plant a purple leaved bush you could plant plants with lime green leaves to offset it and show them both off.

Suffice it to say that if you want a well laid out flower bed you have to do your homework. Try drawing a plan on paper first to get an idea of heights and design

Did you decide on your landscape design?

While you have gotten some appropriate advice here, I have to disagree with the statement that, "a repeat of some plants is good but not a solid row..." This comment is subjective. I have solid rows of plantings, my landscape style leans to the formal side, and I have neighbors coming to me for landscaping advice though I'm a beginner myself.

Obviously, it all depends on whether your landscape style is formal or informal. I'm gathering based on the info you gave that your landscaping syle leans to the formal side.

White variegated 'Patriot' Hostas are a great contrast against the dark green yews. You can interplant these with white flowered Astilbes, 'Bridal Veil' as an example, if you are looking for more contrast. White gardens are simple, yet soothing. I think too many people make the mistake of landscaping their front yard with too many colors, ultimately detracting from their home. With a grey house, I think keeping it simple with green and whites with reds/pinks for contrast would be stunning. Begonias at the front of that wall would add a nice pop of color. Red tulips would also look stunning, maybe with some yellow daffodils in the spring. The hostas growing in later in the season would help disguise the foliage later on. Plant bulbs in groups for effect. Some tulips here, daffodils there, etc. Lamium is also a nice groundcover for shady or sunny areas, though it does need to be contained, but is easily removed. The silvery leaves add a nice pop of contrast, great in the shade, mine flower all season (even now in November) in full sun. "White Nancy" has white flowers, 'Silver Beacon' has pinkey-lavender flowers. Lamium will also spill over walls. Soapwort is a nice flowering cascading plant for retaining walls, and will spread and fill in nicely.

Every plant doesn't need a plant next to it to contrast in color. There are contrasts in texture as well, that looks just as nice..broad leaf plants vs. fine textures.

I like your idea of the yew hedge, keeping winter interest as well with the evergreens. I've had a row of barberries previously next to my yews, but I didn't get the contrast I was looking for in texture or color. I think barberries look best, and color best in full sun.

If you are looking for color contrast, why not try a Japanese red maple at the corner (next to the yews), or a burning bush? Something with height (a deciduous tree or tall shrub) next to the Yews is a nice contrast, adding interest.

While advice from nurseries is certainly helpful, you also have to keep in mind that their job is to sell a product. I've come to Gardenweb for advice regarding plants for my zone, and that advice has always been dead on.

If you are interested in a valuable read as a first time homeowner for landscaping ideas, I'd recommend Gordon Haywards, "The Welcoming Garden". Great illustrations, ideas and how to's for the homeowner. I refer to this book often when looking for ideas (and it was recommended to me by another Gardenweb member).

Good luck!