Dawn, those last pictures you posted showing the slope really helped everyone see what your terrain is like. I envy your 'blank slate', lol! You have received some wonderful advice and Betsy's pictures are awesome! My first thought was to raise the sloped area will fill dirt, but that is probably not feasible or wise, lol!
I've only been flower gardening for about 12 years, and the one thing I've learned is that if something isn't thriving in one area, I move it or get rid of it. Yes, I have probably wasted $$$ doing this, but it's not something I do a lot of. The list of plants available is so extensive, I love adding new things to the flower bed. You could even do vegetables in between the flowers if you want. I have tomatoes and green peppers growing right in the border around my house.
Since it is getting close to the end of summer, I do have to agree with planting bulbs this fall for spring bloom next year. And shrubs are known as the 'backbone' of the garden, so if you go to the Chicago Botanic Garden, I would look to see what they have for their 'backbone' plants.
