I always make the choice based on the worst - so "as the season progresses" sounds like it is in full sun (6+ hours of direct sun). But you could choose things that have "part/full sun" on the label. The "no late afternoon sun" is a real blessing.

Best choice for color hands down is ... annuals. They generally bloom non-stop all season and you have a variety of colors to choose from - yellows, oranges, reds, whites, purples. Are you looking to do shrubs or just small things?

You could throw in a few shrubs with colored foliage - burgundy and golden - to enhance the color. Daylilies would make a good back drop for annuals - especially if you get the ones that say they are "repeat bloomers". If the foliage gets ratty by July, cut them down to about 3 inches and they will put out fresh foliage.

Thanks esh,

My wife is nuts about hydrangeas, so I was thinking about 2 or 3 of the smaller varieties (no trees!). I think the 'varigata' is her favorite.

I would prefer perennials (low maintenance, if possible), because I spend a great deal of effort on my veggie garden in the spring, and they are ALL annuals!!!