If the garden or planting has a Japanese flavor then other classic Japanese garden plants might work. Maybe there is some potential for inter-planting day lilies, as has been done with herbaceous peonies. Hostas also come to mind.

I think rocks and moss may be traditional, the habit not being concealed - try looking at discussions of Japanese garden plants to see what is suggested.

sedum gal
Go back to page 1 on this forum and read the thread on winter squash. I grow,as you will see a huge but beautiful winter Squash Plant. I rout them around 3 of my Tree Peonies. Makes beautiful Landscaping and very large Tasty Squash.
Jim

I had tree and bush peonies planted in a mixed shrub border mainly populated by antique roses. The peonies bloomed just before the roses. I also had lots of viburnum davidii in this bed, and various dwarf conifer cultivars, to give it some structure. Antique roses tend not to have bare knees when allowed to grow in their natural form, so really only the tree peonies had the bare legged look.

Good suggestions, all----
I like the idea of antique roses, Reg.
I'll post a photo when it's done.

Azaleas have done well for me. They're growing at just about the right rate to keep up with the tree peonies.
Cool squash idea Jim. I also really like the idea of dark-color Davidii viburnum making a good backdrop to highlight the intense colors of the peonies above.
- Tom