Constance

We live on two acres, part of was used for my greenhouses and retail shop. I had a lot of things planted, but just as the cobbler's children had no shoes, so I never had time to properly care for my assorted plantings, and only the strong survived.
We made a start on the perennial bed a couple of years ago, but this spring I hired yard man/designer to help me, and we're getting a tremendous amount of work done. He isn't licensed, but he knows plants and isn't afraid to pull weeds, so at $12 an hour, he's a real bargain.

I just wish you all could drop by some evening and give your advice and suggestions.

For instance...can I plant an azalea in sandy soil if we dig out a good-sized hole and mix peat moss into the soil? I would also give it a good acid fertilizer.

I also want to plant a couple hydrangeas there, along with hostas and creeping phlox. It's on the north side of my shop, and is mostly shady with a lot of indirect light, although the east and west ends, where I plan to put the azaleas, do get some sun.

Plantagenet

I think those azaleas would be fine. If you're starting a big design job I would really recommend looking at what other people have done, to get inspiration and shape the picture of what you want in your mind. Some where like YardShare is ideal, or you could go on a tour of other neighbourhoods and take pictures of what you like.

good luck

-P