Question
I have been prepping my yard and now have many empty spaces for new colorful flowers and plants, but I don't want to spend the time and money planting things that will have a tough time the next spring. Do you have any good ideas on what to plant? I have areas of 50/50 morning sun along my fence and areas of afternoon partial sun in my front yard. I'd also like to put in a garden that is primarily shaded by large trees...I already have a small variety of different things, I am not sure where to put what I already have (like columbines) and what else to buy...
Abby -southeast Michigan

Answer
Hi Abby,
Thanx for your question.  Here is a list of perennials that would do well in your SE Michigan garden.

50/50 sun - Astilbe, lungwort, lysimachia, hosta, ferns, crane's bill, lily-of-the-valley, Jacob's ladder, wood poppy, heuchera, comfrey, wild ginger.

In fact, here's a list of Michigan Native plants you may find helpful.  If it's not good enough, let me know and I'll keep looking.

http://www.nativeplant.com/NPN_plant_list.pdf

I hope this helps.
Tom