Hey folks,

Last autumn I sought help with a few areas of my property. I ended up sorting out the backyard (in the process now) as I attained some professional consultation as it was large mess back there. My front yard bed needs some alterations too. Below is a pic I posted last year - I want to keep the vanilla strawberry hydrangeas but rearrange them in a grouping - 3 to 5 in total and transplant the Wine and Roses Weigela to the backyard for another project. I was thinking of moving the hydrangeas to either the right or left side behind the little red oak in a grouping. I am not crazy about these hydrangeas but I want to give them another chance in a different arrangement. On the opposite side, I'd like to plant another grouping of either shrub or a perennial (something that would contrast nicely in form and color) - perhaps BE Goldstrum or some spireas? I am open to other suggestions...

As for the grasses, most comments here last fall stated that I should remove them (I want to relocate in the backyard) as they are too imposing for the given space. However I am open to rearranging them within the existing bed too, if it would work (perhaps to the rear of the bed?) or plant smaller grasses... In front of the oak, I was thinking some dwarf evergreens, perhaps bluestar juniper or some yews? Other? Maybe smaller grasses? I could perhaps add some daylilies or I could simply go with smaller barberry or grasses. I do like the idea of a golds/yellow, white and perhaps purple color scheme. Overall, i think I'd like to make it a bit smaller - not as long if I remove those big grasses. I realize that oak will grow very large so this is a 5 to 7 year bed before I have to alter again. The oak in the sketch has a spread of 6 feet. It's not even that big now. So I have a number of years before it starts to shade out those plants.

The site receives LOTS of sun (10 hours direct) is fairly well drained (clay/sand/loam mix) and is on the alkaline side.

Again I am open to ideas that could take this into another direction altogether.. Input would be greatly appreciated!