why are you planting a monoculture ... that will bloom out in one burst of glory??? [this is where you tell me they bloom all summer .. lol]

double your spacing .. and find something from anther family.. that blooms in a different season..

make any sense???

ken

OK, point taken. I wanted to keep it simple, because my foundation is full of perennials,small grasses,roses and conifers...but maybe I can add in some aromatic asters, grey owl juniper? Will it look strange if the asters and abelia are in a loose checkerboard configuration? This is where I get tripped up when it comes to planting. I don't want to plant the border so that I have distinct rows, but I'm not sure I'm creative enough to group them in a pleasing way.

Will it look strange if the asters and abelia are in a loose checkerboard configuration? This is where I get tripped up when it comes to planting. I don't want to plant the border so that I have distinct rows, but I'm not sure I'm creative enough to group them in a pleasing way.

===>>> i see your problem..

you are more concerned about whether other people like it.. rather than making yourself happy ... and confused in thinking that a garden is a one time plan ..

we plant.. we experiment.. and we move things that dont work out ...

as to what other peeps think .. well when someone voices an opinion that you dont like.. you politely ask them to look closer.. just bend over.. and look closer.. and when they are in prime position.. kick them in the can.. and tell them to get the heck out of your garden.. and dont come back ... been there.. done that.. the lucky ones were the ones when i did not have my shovel in my hand...

and I lived happily ever after .. not caring a whit what those other people thought ...

lol

ken

ps: plant the shrubs in a way.. that they can be permanent.. and then play to your hearts desire with the rest ...

pps: this would have been a lot funnier with some gratuitous cursing ... but i fear i might harm your delicate eyes and ears .. lol..