Welcome Janni. . . I'm certain the experts will chime in and give you some awesome advise. Gardening is in a class all its own, a lot of trial and error in the beginning, some rewards, some disappointments, but its good for the soul weather it's vegetable gardening or ornamental gardening. So with that being said expect some set backs, some do overs and you should be fine. We ALL started exactly where you are at right now.

In my opinion, I don't plant perennials under trees due to the lack of water. The trees will usually use the available water first leaving little for the plants, sometimes its the opposite, the tree may suffer if the plant is taking too much water. Not sure if its been proven but it's what I've been told so I steer away from it.

Good luck and make sure to post pictures to show off.

Debi

Thanks Debi! I'll keep everyone posted with my wee successes and not-so-wee errors.

Not an expert on perennials or climbers, not even oak trees.

Grandma had many oak trees and lots and lots of flowers!. I was just a little kid when we lived with her. I remember her foxgloves, digitalis.

Welcome to RMG, Janni Selzer!

digitSteve

Just planted a beautiful foxglove under the tree next to one I moved from another house. Will write later this year to let you all know -- those interested -- how well it grows under a shady oak tree.

Thanks digitsteve!