Need help designing my front porch in 7B!

[StellasStar]

Hello gardeners! I would love some help designing my front porch! There are a few (spider?) plants already growing on what I believe is mulch. There are two vents (as shown in photos attached) that I'm worried will interfere. I live in central Arkansas; planting location 7B. My porch never gets direct sunlight; it's north facing and is covered by my roof. All design ideas are greatly appreciated! This is my first property and first garden. I am so excited but also a newbie! Thank you all so much!

 

[JBtheExplorer]

Definitely look into using native plants as much as you possibly can. If you aren't sure what's native to you, Wildflower.org can help show you what's native to your state and also allows you to narrow it down based on sunlight and soil moisture conditions. There are plenty of other sites you might also find by googling "Arkansas native plants".

In my shady areas, I try using a variety of spring-blooming native plants as well as ferns. Wild Geranium and Eastern Red Columbine (in the photo below) are two of my favorite natives for shade, and they're both native to your state, so they may be two species you could consider.

 

[StellasStar]

Definitely look into using native plants as much as you possibly can. If you aren't sure what's native to you, Wildflower.org can help show you what's native to your state and also allows you to narrow it down based on sunlight and soil moisture conditions. There are plenty of other sites you might also find by googling "Arkansas native plants".

In my shady areas, I try using a variety of spring-blooming native plants as well as ferns. Wild Geranium and Eastern Red Columbine (in the photo below) are two of my favorite natives for shade, and they're both native to your state, so they may be two species you could consider.
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Wonderful information! That site will help so much, thank you! Do you know if the vent shown in my photos will interfere with any plant layout? Would it be better if I created a "box-like" planting area to give the vent room? Thank you for your comment!