I'm looking for some advice on plants for a garden behind our home in central Ohio. We've removed dead trees and scraggly Ivy and want to add plants that will provide enjoyment from both inside the house -- through large windows at the back of the home – and from an adjacent patio and also complement birdfeeders we want to keep in that area.

Against the house we want something that would grow no taller than 3 to 3 1/2 feet so as not to block the windows. We envision various plants, tiered to get lower toward the edge of the garden closest to the grass. We would like a small tree at one end where the garden extends out -- to provide a landing spot for birds. We're thinking mostly perennials, and low maintenance is a priority. A small herb garden exists in the area closest to the patio, and we want to keep that in place.

Photo one shows the view from the backyard, and photo two shows the view from the patio.