Hi Chris! Yes, I would say it is pretty heavy! So far I think most of the plants are coming through winter well here. It got down to around 0 deg back in mid December. The Nerine filifolia may be done for; time will tell. If so I may try it again because it is rare to get that cold here.
I plan another project for the front of the house where it is shade for most of the day. I'm trying to figure out how to do it differently. For plants, I'm thinking ferns and maybe some hellebores. Any other shade ideas welcome!