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I asked this in another post but I didn't have good picturs. Now that the roses and clematis are really blooming and my fountain is put together, it's easier to see.

The variegated spiky plants are japanese iris'. I want something to go in the empty spots. Not sure what to go with. I'll consider anything (annuals, perennials, grasses, etc) but I want it to look nice (not necessarily bloom) from spring to fall.

Zone 7 and FULL SUN. Help!

What about some type of ground cover...so the fountain doesn't get hidden? Then you could add other things as you find something that catches your eye.

Thanks Karen. I was trying to think about groundcovered. PLumbago was one that came to mind.

Then... Today I started thinking how I could add more things without spending money. I decided to move the variegated iris' from the back of the fountain (that are covered by the roses) to the front of the area. It looks good enough for now and I'll see if I really like it next year when they are all blooming.

Isn't it nice to be able to re-arrange plants from one space to another. Saves on the pocket book and gives a brand new look too.☺ Putting down a layer of mulch would give you a finished look.

I agree with the mulch. We usually wait until the end of May until all the pollen and tree stuff stop falling.

Yes, we wait till our trees are finished shedding their leaves also. BTW, I was just checking on Maryland's weather forecast for Baltimore. DD is there. We hope to get up to visit her this fall.

Japanese iris need lots of water. The soil needs to be kept constantly moist. I have lots of them in their own beds. When they are finished blooming, I place large containers amongst them with tall plants in order to have some color in what would be otherwise beds of green leaves.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 16paws,

SSTR - It's GORGEOUS here today. I live between Baltimore and Annapolis. There is a lot to do around here but the weather is very tricky. It can be cold and rainy and then hot and humid all in one day.

16 Paws - Yes, this spot stays moist because of the fountain splashing. I move the iris' closer together and I'll see how they do. I didn't want to have to buy anything else since I already have a lot of annuals to buy every year.