What is already there in the bed?

Do I see landscape cloth? (If so, remove it since it still allows weeds to grow but makes their removal more difficult, and it will hinder the movement of water and nutrients that plants need to thrive. Just add more/deeper mulch and use a deep V cut or buried plastic or metal edging to keep out the grass.)

It's tough to judge size of the area from a photo. How much space is there? If it's as small as it looks a perennial or vine to climb a trellis by your column might be more suited to the space since shrubs are only rarely less than 3' in all directions.

Thank you ! I'll remove the cloth, I was told that cloth helps to prevent weeds. I think is big enough for a nice plant.

Many things could go there. Would help to see a shot of the whole front of the house to get a feel for other landscaping, and style of home. What is the exposure? Which way does it face?

Is this a wet area? The downspout probably spills over during downpours?

Ternstroemia would be nice. Upright hollies, like Spartan, Yaupon, integra, x wandoensis (hard to find). Osmanthus fragrans would be nice. Chindo viburnum if you have a lot of room but that may get too large. Maybe Podocarpus if hardy there. Probably too sunny for Sasanqua camellia like Yuletide?

What was there before and why was it removed?

I'm going to disagree :-) That is not a very large planting area at all!! And planting something that will get quite tall, like an arborvitae, will only serve to crowd the entry way, which is best left quite open. Otherwise it's going to feel like you are entering a dark tunnel.

I think you need to focus on quite small, compact shrubs, maybe something like evergreen azaleas or a hardy gardenia. Or even a daphne (which is always welcome by an entry). Dwarf conifers could work as well, if you are careful with size selection.

And you can always add annuals or smaller perennials if you want more color.

Bed could be extended laterally, then a larger upright shrub would work. But again, does it fit into the whole scheme of the landscape? We're only seeing a small portion. Can't really make responsible suggestions based on that.

Actually, we can't see the right side of the house, but perhaps a taller shrub would work behind the bed to the right side. And something smaller go in the bed. What is already planted in there? looks like a hardy gardenia? and in the front - another gardenia? Why not have three gardenias?

Thank you, I think the plants you saw are Gardenias !! I like the Dwarf conifers idea. What about remove the gardenias and plant only Dwarf conifers ? I'll post a few more pics later today. Thk you again

can the bed be enlarged???

even conifers have vast potential ... dwarf just grow less each year.. but being trees.. they never really stop growing ... mini conifers might be even better .. but i have no clue which might grow in atlanta ... might ask about that int eh conifer forum ...

ken

http://conifersociety.org/conifers/conifer-sizes/

Few more pics

As well as removing the landscape cloth, I would urge removal of the rocks. They do nothing to enhance the look of the bed, the entry or the house, and when grass starts to grow in between them, maintenance will become a real pain in the neck. Also, the red mulch is distracting and unnatural. Replace it with undyed mulch.

Thank you ! I think dwarf conifers are best option for now.

Any other recommendations ?

I'd expand the bed as others suggested. What architectural style is the house?

Townhome ! Picture below ! Thank you hl_60(5b)

One in the right !

Prostrate cotoneaster will arch nicely over the rocks so that you don't have to remove them. I am curious how you would remove rocks if you live in a townhouse... Put one in the trash bin each week?

jajaja that's a good question !!

Before you settle on dwarf conifers that are a row of balls, please look at the cotoneaster. It is evergreen and a much less artificial look.

The cotoneaster will arch out over the lawn also. They reseed here and I consider most of them weeds.

I too would remove the rocks and rearrange them in the form of outcroppings in larger beds. As it is, they are ankle breakers alongside the sidewalk and maintenance nightmares outlining the beds.

Designwise, you should decide on a lawn shape first instead of cutting out beds in a lawn first. As it is, they look like small cutouts. Decide on a flowing natural shape for the lawn,..... and what is left are the planting areas.

miketann(8a SE of Seattle) Do you have the information for any website where I can get a better picture idea about your recommendation ? Thk you in advance

Have you tried driving around a neighborhood known for neat landscaping? It's a trick I do for ideas. Also, strolling through a great nursery (not the big box stores) also helps for ideas.

Once I know which look I'm after (color scheme, bloom times, etc) it helps me design a bed size and shape.