Have a very small front yard that I need to landscape, mostly as a diy project to keep costs down. Home is a brick-front Wine-Line Cape in Nassau. Budget is unkown, and will probably do over time, but would like to have some sort of plan. Prefer informal or slightly unusual (unique?) plants as opposed to standards. Two beds are ~4'x10'.

Have in-ground sprinklers. North-facing so plants near to house will have little to no direct sun. I'm preparing the soil with peat moss, manure and some general fertilizer.

Any guidance appreciated on any component of the process or suggestions on where to seek add'l help and make purchases besides Depot, Lowe's and the like.

Not looking for one plant with all of these attributes, but a combination of plants that overall could include: most would need to be suitable for shade or only partial sun, some to provide some color, some slow growth to minimize maintenance, not too large to fit in this small space, hardy if kids or dog play in there one day. Hostas love shade, right, but looking for other original ideas.

Ornamental grasses might be nice, and wife likes a holly-type plant. Any helpful suggestions appreciated.

Have you looked at the "Shade" forum. Lots of great ideas there.

Happy Gardening!!