1) Have a almost 20yr old white peony in between 2 not very big columnar golden arborvitae, adds a nice pop of color in the spring since it's in the middle.

2) Then I have a flower bed along the width of the house with some very young peonies and young hardy hibiscus of various colors in between, also looks nice since since the peonies are early and flowering when the hardy hibiscus is just starting to grow and then it flowers when peonies are just green leaves.

I usually plant stuff closer together then recommended because I want it to look nice sooner instead of waiting for it too fill in. Also, I haven't quite found a place to settle down where I am really satisfied, so I don't usually live in the same house for more than 5 or 6 years. That's why I like to plant closer and enjoy instead of waiting for it too fill in, then if it gets to crowded i'll transplant them or if I move, then take the best with me.

The large 20yr peony always goes with me if I move, he's got quite a large mileage, and always reliably blooms even after being transplanted :)