Interesting landscaping challenge - I would think you'd want to de-emphasize those very noticeable long steps to the right and somehow spotlight the actual main entrance. As I mentioned previously, maybe some low junipers or cotoneaster would sort of obscure the long steps while a pair of urns or something could flank the steps or walkway on the left. Or maybe the short sidewalk there could have a row of short boxwoods on both sides leading the eye more obviously to that side of the porch. I'm not sure what principles would govern the use (or not) of symmetry in this setting. As mentioned, it seems to me that symmetry around the main stairs would help to make them more prominent. Seen from the front, the porch section is also symmetrical and you could reflect that in the planting in that section, although you need a different strategy at each end to connect with the relevant stairway. Of course the mound has no equal over on the other side and needs to be handled as a one-of. So since the overall picture won't be symmetrical, maybe the overall shape of the front bed needn't be either, but (this being amateur to amateur) I've got no clue how it would be best shaped, or whether plantings away from the house would complement the whole. Trial and error will be a lot of fun here, I would think, and I would echo Saypoint's suggestion that cruising the nurseries and finding plants you like that will grow there is a necessary first step.

I'm a big fan of most bulbs - luckily winters get just cold enough here to get a good repeat on daffodils! No luck with Tulips though... Sparaxis are one of the best; they sell them mixed here; the predominating colour is orange, with some white, and yellow ones, but like Jackie, my favourite are the dark maroon ones. In the last couple of years its been possible to get dark purple ones, sold as "purple velvets" Ixias (also called corn lily) arent bad either (tho mine seem to get a bit floppy, probably because i grow them in pots). they tend to come in candy colours, although again, I have also seen some sky blue coloured ones sold separately. You could also try Tritonia (pale pink or off white) and Babiana (also called baboon flowers, and confusingly, sometimes purple velvets- they come in a range of dark pink to purple). The Tritonias and Babianas seem to flower a bit later than the Sparaxis, at least for me. I get a fairly good repeat the next year; sometimes I lift them, if i am feeling lazy, I dont... Not to mention refracta alba- creamy white, will multiply freely and smells divine.. Oops, almost forgot the tigridia (jockey caps) these I have only grown in pots (and I still got a repeat the next year). they are early summer flowering, and the blooms only last a day, but you get more than one per bulb and they are truly extraordinary looking flowers. I think they're all great- cheap and cheerful and fairly accepting of dry and hot conditions. Plus the bulbs are small and don't need all that much depth; i just dig my thumb into the ground about 6 cm, and there's the planting hole! You can usually get 30 bulbs for about 6/7 dollars here.

Sherry, it's good to know that about Bluff oak. If they're slow growing, then there would be no reason to choose them over White oak. I still really recommend Swamp Chestnut oak though. At three years mine is 10ft tall. Pam, longleaf pines can have some aggressive roots because they like to grow deep into the soil. In nature they have a taproot 6-10ft long. Just make sure you're not buying too large a tree in too small of a container. Before you buy, slip the container off and look for any large circling roots. If you see circling roots, pass it up and look for a smaller one. I prefer the smaller ones in the grass stage myself because they have the advantage of being able to put more roots down before height growth. We're really only talking a year or so difference in time.

kwoods... Yes, but I presently have only one. With limited space and 12 other species, plus several hybrids, of Native Azaleas, they represent a large percentage of the shrubs in my garden. I was disappointed in it's performance for years, until all of the Southern Magnolias were removed next door and opened up the morning sun, it now is showing it's true potential. I will probably obtain another one, as I have a nearby space where some old evergreen Azaleas are looking pretty sad. Sam... There is a nursery in GA, that specializes in Native Azaleas (and other Natives), and he has reasonable prices. Google Lazy K Nursery or go to Dave's GWD to check it out and click on the website link there. His nursery is near Callaway Gardens and Providence Canyon. Rb