all plants can live in clay ...

the issue is drainage ....

its all about how well you plant them ...

see link

ken

Here is a link that might be useful: link

Thanks, Ken! The link is very useful!

you are welcome

the whole point to gardening.. is to plant things that make your toes curl ...

not plain old carp.. that fits because of one single variable ... like clay ...

the sky is the limit... once you learn how to plant.. and perfect aftercare ...

BTW... the author of the link is in TN ....which is one of the premier horticultural areas in the US ... so the thought that you must be limited due to clay.. is.. entertaining..

ken

I think the author of that document used to post on Garden Web. Think of southeastern native plants when making your selection. They are genetically engineered to like Tennessee and their foliage and other characteristics give back to the environment that evolved with them (birds, butterflies, bees, etc.).

I like to think that what we do with "our" space is equally important to the other things that share our space. How's that for making your toes curl, ken?

Here's a link to the Tennessee Native Plant Society - they can almost certainly give you some suggestions that will be happy in your yard. Have fun!

Here is a link that might be useful: TN Native Plant Society

Thanks everyone! You all are great sources of info and encouragement! I have 3 shrubs in my foundation planting that I hate. I have lots of perennials planted in this foundation planting also. I have decided to replace these shrubs as they have outgrown there space and are just unruly. I really like the spireas and with the info on planting I think I will give them a try.

"I think the author of that document used to post on Garden Web."

The reports of my (GardenWeb) death have been greatly exaggerated!

Ah, there you are. That link is very well done, brandon7.