Iam running out of shady areas to plant in, so I started a new bed under my birch. I have avoided creating a bed here for a few reasons, root invasions and therefore water issues, damage to the tree trunk and or smothering the roots. The dogs love to dig here because it has been mostly bare ground because grass wont take- the grass wont take cause the dogs love to dig here what do you call that insanity or some such. And the area to the front and side of the pic is where the snow goes from the patio/stair area just off to the side of the picture about 20 30 feet. So why am I planting here - cause Im outta of shade. Im hoping that Iam in the golden spot not too close to the truck to cause issues here and before where the surface roots pop up. You can sort of see I have pots behind the dirt to keep the mound away from the tree. These will need to be replaced with something more weather resistant - not sure about rocks, will they retain radiate heat to the base of the tree, overthinking this I think. And I will need rocks or retaining bricks for the front before winter. The dirt is dirt is from the yard not soil that I brought in, so it shouldn't settle into nothing. Clay with a few years of leafs mulched and tilled together, we will see. I think if things go well or I wind up buying more hosta I will extend the bed around the back of the photo. Can not go all the way around, behind the tree is the pathway for the dogs and me along the side bed, which is used a lot so I do not want to eliminate it.

so far just a angel fall, luna moth, hanky panky, and june- Luna and hanky are from accidental divisions the other two sale purchases. - oh and a sensitive fern, Japaneses painted fern, and cinnamon fern ? I think, and the tall one in the back is a ghost Japanese fern. The rest in pots are just annuals/ house plants enjoying the summer outdoors.