Ursula, that is exactly the guidance I needed. Exactly!
There are some plants he gets excited about--I have bought a few really superb specimens with him in mind, and I will implement your advice and have him help me decide where to plant them ( he is handy but is a designer/artist at heart) and how to display them in the landscape. That is a brilliant suggestion--to showcase his talents and get him involved! Thank you!
Cheers!
Kate