Thank you very much RobinD for the very helpful suggestions, much appreciated. They are open to both annuals and perennials. Million Bells, Giant Wave Petunias and various Salvia are among my favorites in N California. Good to know Pansies will last that long into the fall in NY.
1) Which on the list are perennials and which other perennials might you suggest?
2) Does it make any difference when you plant bulbs between now and 2 months from now (end of first week of November)?
3) Bed A in the back as well as some areas on the Right side of the concrete patio could be used for shrubs. Given that there's dark green ivy on the rear fence already, which shrubs do you think would accent nicest against it and in back of the flowers that will be in Bed B? I think a bright-green low evergreen shrub 2-3 ft will contrast best against the dark green ivy.
4) What would you suggest planting in the large L and R planter boxes (about 4' x 4')? The L one is in shade and the R one gets good sun. I'm thinking a nice big Hydrangea in the R box, which will give foliage early spring to late fall and flowers in spring or summer, and for the L box a smaller but very colorful Hydrangea to bring some color into that corner by the Japanese Maple.
5) Bed B could be used for changing flowers:
April-June: Tulips
June-September: Giant Wave Petunias, Million Bells, Salvia, etc.
September-early November: Giant Pansies and which others do you think best?
Nov: Purple Cabbage???
