Welcome to SC
You have a nice sunny spot there, it will be perfect for your blooming plants. Those caster beans you like will be 7 or 8', great for the background. I believe you can grow most flowering plants except those like peonys which need a cold winter. Your biggest problem might be deer, they can be a real nuisance here.
Fall (right through December) is the best time to plant perennials and shrubs. The ground never freezes and roots can become established over the winter so they are ready to take off before the heat sets in. You can still plant in the spring but you will have to water, water, water.
There are many foliage plants that do well here. You could grow Aspidestra under the trees and there are so many new varieties - variegated and differently shaped leaves. They are always good for arrangements. Ridgeland is far enough inland so you will be able to grow hostas and heucheras. Many large leafed philodendrons are root hardy. You might be too hot and dry for ferns but you'll never know until you try.
I would strongly suggest you take a trip to the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens in Savannah. They are easy to get to, straight down 95 to exit 204 than east for a mile or so, there will be signs.
http://www.coastalgeorgiabg.or...
If you are on Facebook follow Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens. The director posts photos of what is blooming several times a week. That would give you a good idea of what will do well in your climate. It is always good to see things in person, it will help you to see how they grow here which is so very different from the Northeast. Often you will see things for sale in the big box stores and they look great but they are not suited for this climate. Best to stick with local nurseries and I believe you have a great hardware store in Ridgeland that carries a small but nice selection of plant material.
Once again, welcome and get ready for 12 months of gardening.
alice
