Beginner Gardening: What can I plant instead of Loropetalum Ruby and Azaleas?, 1 by tjustice

tjustice wrote:
I am a complete gardening novice; however, I know what I like when I see it. We recently had a landscape designer come out to design for our home that we completed last March. But I was disappointed in that she seemed to suggest some very "normal" shrubs. I don't care for azaleas or the loropetalum. I want something a little more unique--I live in NC and azaleas are everywhere. Any suggestions? I included a photo of our house--don't know if that helps! She was using azaleas in the back, which is mostly shade, and the loropetalum throughout the front and side, which is partial to mostly sun. I want lots and lots of color most of all and a very whimsical, unstructured feel to the plants. Thanks!