Question
Dear Carlo,
I live in south central Pennsylvania and bought a new home in 2003.  By my front door there is a 10' x 10' area with stone 20' high on the east and south walls. The north and west have a concrete walkway that lead to my front door. The area only gets mid to late afternoon sun. During the summer the stone retains the heat. The homebuilder put in boxwoods which live for a season, don't grow and then die in the winter/spring (happened 2X). Daylillies and grasses seem OK. Other things I've tried (coreopsis, siberian iris) just live but they don't necessarily thrive or grow.

I'd like a attractive eye-catching small tree/large bush as a focus and several other bushes or perrenials surrounding it in this area by my front door.

Suggestions?  

Answer
Hi there!

I'm sorry for answering your question so late.
I was on vacation, and I had some problems in flying back.
I apologize for that.

If this area that you mention is lacking sunligth, and, as you say, you already have some stones in the place, maybe you should try a nice little moss garden with some stones nicely arranged and being the eye catching point of your garden.
You could surround them with some other small plants such as ferns, dianthums and other shade loving planrs.


Moss is a great option for many places, not only because it looks very nice, but also because it does not require chemicals or high maintenance.

If you could send me a picture of your place, I could give you a better answer, including regarding the shape and placement of the stones for your project.

Again, I apologize for the delay.

Good luck, and keep in touch!

Carlo