Don't forget: Pimp our house!

OK, this might be too much bling. But hey, it was Christmas.

The arborist comes next week to rip out the trees and shrubs by our front door. TICK TICK TICK TICK; you can hear the last moments ticking away in the lives of the mock orange bushes and the arbor vitae.

I've gotten lots of good suggestions from some of you as to what to plant in their place. Not sure I have the right answer yet. (But maybe I do.)

Remember:

--right half of house (as you face it) is almost full shade

--left half is partial sun

--must be minnesota winter hardy

--i am no gardener; must be brave enough to endure my care

--yet i love lots of color and blossoms

--not interested in symmetry

--bonus question: where will we string lights at christmas?

Prize! For best answer. "Best" being completely arbitrary.