That's a pretty cool link. Thanks!

Two things you might want to think about: 1) the actual aspect of your lot (shade, sun, direction of light, slope, drainage, and more); 2) what the climate (and microclimates) will bear. In my experience, in some ways "1" matters most, mainly because of its impact on microclimates.

They can be a bunch of fusty old 4arts, but garden clubs and extension services can be really good local help. The local aspect matters a lot and can often be pretty hard to get a handle on.

*I love gardens* And thinking about them* :-))))

Thanks for the suggestions, Patricia. I think I'm good at considering the light where I'm planting, but I'm still learning to think about other things and especially to consider my lack of enthuasiasm for watering in the middle of the summer.

The major problem though is our dog. I think my best bet for filling in areas where he runs is to put in some large pots. I've already put in one in a place he was constantly trampling and it looks better than it has in a long time.

Water really does matter and, without drip lines, it can be drudgery. You might consider some of the xeric (or moderately xeric) plants for your zone. These need help to get established, but then -- Katy, bar the door.

Maybe, too, come next summer the Boy will be just gagging for a job outside ;-) I say that only partly in jest. By doing things like blossom counts (how many different things are in bloom today?) Daughter OotFP learned about and took an interest in the garden. Blossom counts are not gonna do it for Boy, at all, but perhaps learning to tell beneficial bugs from the harmful ones and being given leave to dispatch the latter... ;-)

Pots are great. If you have cats in the area, the cats always enjoy them, too ;-)

I found my Dog does not like to nap or walk where there are sharp chunky stones. It's a simple defense but it seems to work and doesn't harm most plants.

I only water when things are very dire. I found that if I give my plants water, they become dependent on it. Can't have that happening. Of course, when a plant is in a pot, it has to be watered, but when they are in the ground, they can usually get by unless there is a serious drought.