I have lived in cities/suburbs all of my life. I have recently moved out to the country. My fiance had a house that we were tried to sell but decided to move into it instead for the time being til we can build our own house. Our current plan is to live here a year or two and try to relist it. The house is an older house but it is well built and just needs cosmetic fixes, we are working on several projects to make the house more attractive.
There are several large trees on the lot (pines that we plan to cut down, oaks, elms, pecan and a few fruit trees in the backyard). I live in central Louisiana. The 2012 map on this site says we are zone 8b. I am use to planting full sun plants and have no experience with shade plants. I have done some research into what might grow well and it has almost become an information overload. Azaleas, gardenias, wisteria are very popular flowering plants out here that do well. We have a large pine cluster with several azaleas. We prefer blues and purples for flowers. I am unsure how acidic our soil is out here (I assume it is on the acidic side because of the pine trees). Our yard is well drained and rarely gets any standing water. There is a bit of clay in the soil. We have several clumps of monkey grass that I could spread out. I don't mind getting more of the 2 tone grass to fill in if it will do well. I am unsure what is planted under one of the trees, but guessing a lily variety. There is a pine tree with many more that I don't mind transplanting as well, if they will do well. That cluster gets a lot more sun.
I have looked into bleeding hearts because they are interesting looking and sound like they might do well. I am also interested in lungwort and hostas. I think my best bet will be to try and plant and bring in some soil and mulch to beef up the planting area at the base of the trees. I am open to all suggesting. Our closest (very small) nursery is about 40 minutes away. Those closest decent size one is about 1.5 hours away. I would usually ask around nurseries for advice however trips to town take a bit more planning now.
