@Chillybean
Gentians are lovely blue plants. They do not get very big though. And yes - gen-shun :-)
NJ Tea is a lovely shrub that stays on the smaller side. Check out American Beautyberry - a nifty shrub with pretty seeds. And Button bush is a nifty plant. Does best in wet locations, but that is not absolutely necessary.
Leadplant is usually a tuff plant, so don't know what the problem is there.
Partridge Pea can be quite invasive and looks awefully rasty after it finishes blooming.
The telephone line is likely 3 + feet down, so not sure what your problem is there. Your state has a Miss Dig or similar 800 line and they will come out and mark utilities - usually no or low cost.
Caralberry is Indian Currant AKA Buck Brush. It is not very desirable from a visual point of view. Can be terribly invasive and wildlife do not eat the berries unless they are starving. Most people eradicate it rather than intentionally plant it.
Why not a nice patch of Milkweed? 3 or 4 varieties would add interest and the blooms on most are quite attractive.
