Thanks for your reply. I live in the Waikato which is temperate I guess. Frosts sometimes to -4 and reasonably hot in summer. I am developing a woodland garden, with Birch trees, other deciduous trees, inc Viburnams, and underplanted with Scilla. I plan to have a selection of Hosta as well. I do like white it will look great with the darker green background.

just check the zone for your area. I am familiar with all the plants you mention and Annabelle would be hardy where the plants you mention grow well, so you should be fine. You can also check at a local nursery and see if they stock it or other Hydrangeas. Thanks

Shalom and thank you, Richard. I very much appreciate your replying and advice. I quite like the Oak Leaf Hydrangea too, it has an unusual shape flower for the hydrangeas and should add more interest.

Blessings from New Zealand.

What is the ground cover to the right of the large pebbles and under the hostas?

I love the trees. What type of trees are they?

The tree there is an older Mulberry, inherited in the design. not recommended to plant, but valuable notwithstanding in this instance. the ground cover is Vinca minor

What is the plant with withe flowers on the back of the picture and right side as you go up the stairs? It's beautiful.

Bottlebrush Buckeye (Aesculus parviflora) A fabulous plant for understory use; loves to grow under big trees; one of the best naturalizing plants I like to use.