Need Ideas for my front yard + little pond waterfall

I have a new house and I would love some input.

http://picasaweb.google.com/jemmett/Landscaping

On the left of the front door I have a raised flower bed that is 11 x 2.5. This is fully shaded by my awning all year. I would like some type of annual bush or shrub, and then place some accents around it.

On the ground in front I have two areas that are 5x2 on the right and a bit bigger on the left. Both are mostly shaded by my awning, but a little bit gets some sun during mid summer.

On the right side of the house I have a waterfall with a small pond (no fish). The rocks are getting broken up and the rocks below are nothing special. I think by adding some greenery I could make this area very appealing. Any ideas? The area in front of the pond is about 5 x 5.5. I could combine the rocky area with the flower bed that is currently there. This area is all shaded by awning also.

http://picasaweb.google.com/jemmett/Landscaping

Thanks!

Wow, that seems like a large, tall waterfall for such a small, confined place. Still it must sound nice when the water's flowing.

How about some tall Elephant Ear plants, or other tropicals?

You can plant shade loving plant beside the pool and in your borders that have the shade cast over them, but add lots of organic matter to the soil first to help keep the soil moist as most shade plants also enjoy moist soil. things like Solomon Seal tall and have tiny white/or pink bell flowers hang under the foliage,
Astilbe, come in red, white, pink etc, feathery foliage, ferns all shapes and sizes green fronds, but there are new ones that have burnt orange coloured fronds, Digitalis fox gloves, white, purple and pink. Hostas come in veriagated leaf or just green, these have small purple flowers but most folks grow them for their wonderful leaves, Vinca is a spreading trailing type plant with purple flowers and violas are shade loving , there are also loads of shrubs that could be good like the small Rhododendrons and Azaleas, so it all depends on your taste, time and cost, but a good book should help you as they have pictures and the type of conditions they need which will help get you started. good luck. Weenel.

Very cool looking waterfall! I would imagine that was the answer to so much shade for the previous owner. Does the waterfall work? you might consider some shade loving plants like delicate looking ferns, hosta or other shade loving plants there. I would be really tempted to have a small japanese type garden there and concentrate on garden art of some kind that would be in perspective with the waterfall. You could do that in addition to ferns, hosta or other plants. It would tie in very well with the waterfall. I would keep plantings kind of on the short side so that you can enjoy them from the window. Send us pics of what you decide to do!

I agree with tetleytuna a japanese garden would look great!! I'm trying for that look myself !!

thanks for all the input. My biggest concern with the waterfall area is that the area would dry out easily because it is insulated with heat of the brick wall. I might try some ferns and see what happens.