I would definitely consider planting some roses. Knockout roses look so good for so much of the year (I see them in bloom in November and even early December in Mild years here in NYC!). Some hardy hibiscus could be another perrenial option. I would use the bed for a lot of tropicals that have to be dug up. Tender tropicals like tropical hibiscus, croton, annuals as groundcovers, tropical yuccas, etc. can be planted in the ground with their pots. Bannas, elephant ears, castor bean plants, cannas, and brugmansias can be dug up for the winter. Pindos, more windmill palms, some other yuccas (rostrata, faxoniana, and alofolia are some of the more exotic looking ones that do very well in my area) would look really nice too!
Quick growing tropicals are probably going to be one of the most important things you will want to look for, but of couse dont forget to add some hardy evergreens like Southern magonlias so that way when winter comes, you dont have a completely bare front yard!
Good lucK!
-Alex

The work begins on Tuesday but I've purchased some plants this weekend. When finished, the plants will be at the same height and the crepe myrtle slightly elevated. I also have the landscape lighting being adjusting including the installation of a well light that will highlight the phoenix palm in the summer and fall. Shown here are the new plants:

1. Blue Oats ornamental grass. I love the blue color and not sure any other ornamental grass looks as good.
2. Hosta 'Guacamole'. I'm taking a risk here cause I get about 5-6 hours of afternoon sun. This variety is some of the best for sunny locations. Hostas add a nice tropical look.
3. Red lily. I needed some color for the bed and this did the trick.

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My concern is that I don't have any tall plants in the back to break up the flow. I was thinking of a skyrocket juniper to keep the blue color going or maybe a banana type plant. I figure I need to be careful to not put all perennials in there so it doesn't look like wasteland in the winter!

The crepe is a 'dynamite' so it should mix well with the red lily and the red hardy hibiscus (not shown). Off to the left are a needle palm and a yucca recurv. Any other plants you think would mix in well?

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That's going to be nice....
and in no time at all you won't need a lawn mower anymore(-: