Question
I have a newly constructed home. I am ready to pour a sidewalk and begin lanscaping. How are from the house should the sidewalk be in order to have 2 row landscaping (for example ...boxwoods and hosta). Thanks!

Answer
About 3 feet from the foundation ought to be enough for two rows, one of Hostas, and one of Boxwood (a picture to illustrate):

http://www.naturalisticlandscapes.com/images/plantLibrary/boxwood_2.jpg

Boxwood will do well in part-shade, but can still be grown in full sun.  However, Hostas are a shade-loving plant.  But you probably already knew that...

http://www.abouthostas.com/hosta_varieties.shtml

http://www.backyard-landscape-ideas.com/boxwood-shrubs.html

Avoid putting either of them in a hot, dry, or overly-sunny location.  

Also, I'd avoid straight lined walkways that parallel the foundation.  Variety adds to enjoyment.  Turn the path in a different direction every once in a while!  It will add to the  overall landscape a great deal.

All the best ~Marc