You've received some excellent suggestions. If I may, I'd add hosta
and philodendron to the list.

There are many excellent, hardy, large-leafed varieties of hosta some
of which are available at the Raleigh Farmer's Market. The internet
is also a good source of plants. You're making an investment of time
but in 3-5 years, you should have an impressive display. Some of the
smaller varieties might do well in the front of the border and the
color choices of all sizes seem to increase every year.

If you have even a reasonble space to shelter potted philodendron
during the short time it's too cold here, I would offer they are worth
considering. They seem to do well under the protection and winter
warmth of pine trees.

Someone mentioned acuba as an option. An excellent choice as plants
are easily started from cuttings - just prop the stems in water in a
sunny window and soon you'll have your own plants acuba garden!

Cheers and good luck!


MAC wrote in message ...
I'd like to plant some shrubs in the front yard close to the house,
but that side faces north and the plants would be in sun only a month
or two during the summer. There's moss growing there now, so I'm not
sure exactly what kind of plant, if any, would survive in that
location. Has anyone had experience with something like this?

Thanks,

MAC