Who put together this plan? Dig Doug on Houzz does some nice plans.

What about a dogwood instead of the crepe myrtle?

Shade is shade. Maybe a tree further out in the yard.

I have Spirea Candy Corn and it’s an amazing bush. It literally turns color - from yellow to orange to red - throughout the seasons. It has no leaves in the winter.

Red or purple flowers in front of them work well. I have purple daylilles in front of mine, which only bloom in the summer.

If you don’t like catnip, don’t plant it. Weigela are also pretty flowering bushes.

Where do you live? If we know your climate that will help.

Look up Dig Doug’s Designs under Users here on Houzz. His mockups are always so nice.

You have way too many different plants in this plan. Instead, repeat the ones that work well. For example, if you hate catmint, then repeat the other purple plant and add one or three more. For example, one coreopsis won't do much for the garden--a few yellow flowers and a lot of green; but three or five coreposis would be charming in the front of the bed.

It looks as if you garden in a climate in which there is winter, so it is important to consider winter interest. That can be accomplished with shrubs, grasses, or certain species of cranesbill.

In light of all of this, I suggest that you consult an expert whether this is a friend who has a nice garden or a professioal landscape designer. You can also buy pre-planned gardens from a number of vendors. If you care about the environment you should consider using plants native to your area--they often are more easily grown than fussy hybrids. (I live near Chicago/Wisconsin state line and buy from Prairie Nursery who sell preplanned gardens as well as plants and seeds.)

Agree with @Yvonne Martin. Find out what grows in your area. Falling in love with a bush, plant or flower doesn’t do you any good if your weather will work against it.

Hi all— this was a professional who made the plan :). Paid a local garden company to come out. Also, I like in Philadelphia— zone 7. Thanks!