I posted this in Shady, and got a couple of responses, but thought I'd post here, too, as I think of it more as a design question than a "what will go here" question.
There's a space next to my front door on the left (see below) which is 18" x 43" deep--front to back. While the blue planter box to the right gets a few hours of morning sun, this spot gets none, as it faces northeast. It's somewhat protected from our few hard frosts by the overhang.
I'd like to put a container there, probably a redwood one about a foot or more deep, with an attractive mixed planting--hopefully with zippy texture and color mixes. One idea is to plant a shade blooming clematis on a trellis, or preferably, on an evergreen host of some sort, which would go up vertically on the 43" wall to the left of the door, and be attractive winter interest. So far, the only "host" plant I can think of would be an espaliered jasmine. Surely there are other possibilities?
I'd then underplant it with a mix of maybe hostas, maybe companula to drape over & something else. One suggestion has been Zamioculcas zamiifolia, which looks interesting to me, though I don't know if it could handle a few cold mornings. http://www.butlersnursery.com/zz/index.asp
I wish there were a flax-like tall plant for the corner by the door, but alas, I don't think the bird exists.
So, I'm asking for some design brainstorming on plant combos which will make a wow welcome at the door.
Thanks, Karen.
