How big is that area in the sun? Are you wanting all containers? Or could you have a perennial in the ground that comes back every year, and doesn't require as much watering as a container plant. For shade, I really love all the different kinds of hostas. I've never grown any in containers though. They are great for keeping out weeds.

In the sunny corner, how about planting things that don't need a flower bed? Sunflowers, hollyhocks? My grandparents always had hollyhocks planted along the side of the farm outbuildings.

Native plants to your area could also need less ground prep to get started (no bed). I am doing that in an awkward area in my yard (planted a native hyssop, a butterfly milkweed, a couple coneflowers).

What is in the sunny corner now? Grass? Concrete? Bare dirt?

Right along with you, I have to be realistic about what my aging body can accomplish in the garden. I've accumulated a selection of large pots that can be left outdoors all year. In the sunny area they hold bamboo, nandinas and dwarf conifers that have been thriving for years. In smaller pots I plant seasonal annuals for color -- geraniums, bidens, dahlias, zinnias -- whatever strikes my eye. Ieep them fertiziled and deadheaded and they bloom for months. The hardest part is hauling bags of planting mix for the annuals each year. Is there someone who can help you do this? Also make sure you can easily water the potted plants. An alternative to plants is garden art or a comfortable chair in your sunny corner.

I think the hardest lesson we have to learn as we age is that less is more. A few colorful plants that you can nurture and bring you joy are better than a bunch of plants that feel like a burden. Don't try to do too much this summer and see how it goes. Enjoy your new home and garden.

I'm learning that very thing now einportlandor. It's soooo hard to give up things we've done forever and enjoyed, but there comes a time when we have to realize that trying to keep everything going is counter-productive to happiness. Thanks for mentioning this. :)