What is the planting zone and which way is the house facing?

A house that nice deserves a landscape plan from a professional....Good Luck.

You should go to a local plant nursery near your house with a picture of your house with measurements of the the length space you want landscaped and height from ground to your windows. Also let them know which direction your house is facing. They typically have people who specialize in design. They'll know what type of shrubs, plants, trees will thrive in your area. Good luck!

the home faces north. We decided on a Japanese maple, a wonder blue lilac and a snowcone snowball that will go in the corner by the house. assorted smaller plants to fill in.

I agree with AC LB. That Japanese maple - called the Bloodgood, gets large and grows fast, so you do not want to plant it close to the house.

thank you for the tip! I will make sure to measure away from the house. I love the look of the Japanese maple and lilacs bring me back to my childhood growing up in Wisconsin. My favorite flower to make a bouquet for my Mom.

A two story house that faces north will have nothing but shade close to the house. Lilacs require sun in order to flower. The Snowbell reaches 25 feet at maturity.

Oregonmom- Perhaps you've already planted but you should take the advice given here. It's all good advice. I was starting from ground zero and hired a landscape designer to design front and back spaces for me because starting with nothing is a tough place. It was extremely affordable for the design and I've spent four years implementing it myself. Great results I would not have without that design and I have been gardening for 30 years! I had not ever started from scratch and was overwhelmed. If you've planted already, it's not too late to move or remove the plants. They'll survive transplant if done correctly. Good luck!