If you want them tall, do you have at least 8'-10', but preferably more, to give them as bed depth for most large shrubs? You will want a couple of feet between the building and the eventual size of the shrub and then enough depth for the shrub itself. Also, what is you soil like as far as texture (clay, sand, loam?), pH (acid, neutral, or alkaline?), and moisture?

Okay maybe not tall. I don't think we want to dig a hole that deep. Looking for a shrub maybe four or five feet. And want to dig a hole just a couple feet.

The soil on top looks pretty loose. But might be a little bit more clay if you get deeper.

Thanks floral for making my comment clearer. Yes I meant space 8'-10' from the building for the shrubs. So Dezi Kirsch, do you have that much space out from the building? Once we know how much space is available out from the building, then we can make shrub suggestions.

Also, rather than just holes in the grass that is there, it would be easiest as far as long term maintenance if you remove or smother the grass that is there, plant the shrubs, and then mulch the bed area with a mulch such as shredded bark.

i would not call that a shade position .. and would not limit choices on that variable ...

what time of day was the pic taken ... note there is only one foot of shade ..

but on relooking.. is there a shade tree .. i might see big tree branches ...

ken

Well it is in the shade of the building all morning and several big trees in the yard in the afternoon.

I am thinking about 3 chokeberry bushes in the middle and rose of sharron on each end. How far from the building would i have to plant those?