I need ideas for a new flower bed around the front of my house?

I have a small house with a tree somewhat close up, to the right of the house (when looking from the street). My Peony is tucked in on the left end of the porch, but I have nothing along the front of the right end of the porch (shaded over by the tree). I have tiger lilies that run along the tree and down the right side of the house which are starting to spread down the side, but have only made it about a quarter of the way. I'd like to have something that would work well in the shady areas, but I don't really care for the popular plants like hostas and such, I like different things that aren't seen too often. I'd ideally like to get some colorful (red and yellow - my brother is a Marine - and beachy blues) flowers around the area. I also like plants that 'do something' (attracting butterflies, etc) so big flowers and things like that interest me. Oh, I'm in NW Ohio.





If anyone has any ideas I'd love to hear them. I'm totally open since I'm new at this. Thanks

I need ideas for a new flower bed around the front of my house?
wax begonias! they are awesome in mass planting for summer color, also for something really cool try hibiscus ! there are many varieties that can survive the colder climates with many heighs and spreads , and the most lovely of flowers. also are very popular right now u want big flowers ? hibiscus are it ,lol, up dinnerplate in size. ... geraniums too can really pop in a bed
Reply:www.nparks.gov.sg/publications/pub-pub.s...


try to see the above website from singapore. they have few publication that might interest you. I would recommend SKYRISE GARDENING IN HIGHRISE HOMES (3rd edition) . It something difference from the conventional gardening. I hope it will be helpful to you
Reply:This is one of my favorite gardening websites:





http://www.gardenguides.com/





I am sure you will get lots of ideas and practical information if you take the time to visit. A Yahoo search for "flower gardening" will yield thousands of results to explore.





Good luck with your gardening.
Reply:You can try gingers for your shade area. There are many types so make sure that you get a shade loving one. Most produce a flower and are quite fragrant. There are many to choose from. If you can't find any local, look and order from the internet.





Hostas are not that bad. You just have to be extra picky when choosing a variety. I would love to be able to grow the "big, blue one" but we are too hot of a climate. (can't grow peony's or forsythias either)...but I can grow a palm.
Reply:Tyr the site below, you may find it useful!
Reply:marigolds work very well. there is minimal care and they come back each year.