Question
I am puzzled about the types of plants I should plant around my east facing patio in RI to give it yearlong visual interest with some color. Each area is about 5x8  and is perpendicular to my 1 1/2 ft high deck.  

I am also looking for plants to give yearlong interest & some color along the side of my house (30 ft span, with a very bare looking middle section without a window).  There is a 3 foot planting space with a drip edge in the middle.  

Answer
Dawn,

Here are some plants that would meet your request.  Virginia Sweetspire, Nandina domestica, coneflower, ornamental grasses, Gold thread cypress.  Please keep in mind that in the winter months nothing really looks spectacular, so these will at least give three season interest.

Bud Christmann