Plants for an island bed


        I am in the process of redoing a large bed  which lives in the arch of 
our circular drive. A Large Oak hangs over the Northern side of the bed, the Sun
pattern means that many plants are strongly oriented to the South - away from 
the Northern viewer. I have been selecting plants for this side which minimize 
this effect and would appreciate any suggestions. 

        I currently have had success with various Heucera, foxgloves (digitalis 
hybrids which have flowers around the stem), some Salvia's, any low ground 
cover, grasses, small ferns, shorter Thalictrum and all types of iris. Less 
successful were Japanese Anemone hybrids, Border Penstemon's, Shrub Roses and 
Daylilies. 

        I'm really looking for medium to tall plants which will NOT lean toward 
the light or flop over. Some that I am considering are Echium fastuosum, taller 
Columbines, various Euphorbias, Hypericum, verbascums, shrub Clematis etc.

        In redoing the bed I will be flattening the current 3' high mound 
somewhat to raise the soil 6" on the perimeter and would like to spoil the 
plants with a 6" layer of compost. The perimeter area will be held up by rocks 
and provide niches for various small plants and bulbs. Any suggestions would be 
appreciated.

        I garden in a relatively frost free area of California where South 
American bulbs are "weeds" and Delphiniums are annuals i.e. It's too hot and dry
in the summer for many "English" border plants.

        Chad Schroter Los Gatos CA Zone 9b
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