Question
QUESTION: I live in northeast Tennessee. I have a 2 foot by 40 foot area in the front border of the house. It is on the north side of the house so it only gets sun in late afternoon. I need something that grows no taller than 2-3 feet. I need perennials. The house is colonial gray cedar siding. Any suggestions on which shrub or flowers would work?

ANSWER: Hi Bob,
Thanx for your question.  I would suggest using hostas in your particular situation.  They fill out nicely and come in a lot of different patterns and shades of green.  Many of them bloom a long rod of tubular flowers in pinks, whites and lavenders.  The leaves are usually broad but there are thinner versions.  The leaves are in yellows, white stripes, dark greens, blues.  I don't think any of them will mound taller than 2 feet.   There are many types of ferns that will not exceed 3 feet that would look nice in a situation as yours.  Ferns such as Maidenhair, Japanese Painted fern, Autumn fern, European lady fern and Christmas ferns would be at the height you're looking for.  Boxwood shrubs will also grow in shade and can be shaped and kept at the desired heights.  They have great foliage and can give a sharp, manicured appearance.  I would go with any of these as a low-maintenance but smart looking, tidy arrangement for your landscape.  I hope this helps.
Tom

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Any suggestions on evergreen or semi evergreen shrubs? I do have blue hostas in place, and they do well.

Answer
Hi Bob,
There are some cultivars of low-growing rhododendron and azaleas on the market.  Ilex (holly) can be kept low-growing in shady areas.  Colorado Spruce 'Globe', Korean boxwood, little boxwood, cotoneaster, eunoymus and Pyracantha 'Lowboy'.

I hope this helps.
Tom