Newbie with tiny garden spot

[chris330r]

Hello all. I'm Chris and for many years i've ignored a small weedy patch outside my back patio. This week, i've finally decided to pull them all up and put something pretty in the little spot.....but I don't know what is best to grow there.

I want something colorful and hardy that needs little to no maintenance. The little spot gets full sun from about noon until 6pm and early morning/late afternoon is full shade. Here is a photo of the little spot. It's in front of my AC unit and to the far end of it is where the water drips out throughout the day, so that constant water may be a factor in what to place there as the soil in that spot would always be wet. I guess I can just leave that area empty as it's a tiny little spot in the far right corner.

Is it better to buy the plants in pots and plant them or just get seed packets? ....Here is my little spot...It was taken at 10:30am and you can see the sun already creeping in. By noon it will be full sun across the whole spot. I'm eagerly waiting for any advice!!

 

[chris330r]

Update: It's about noon and here is the patch getting it's full sun. It will stay this way until about 6pm or so. The pinwheels up top are to keep the nasty ducks away because they started making that concrete ledge their sitting spot and behind it would be full of their droppings next to my AC unit. Putting those pinwheels there scares them away and keeps them from climbing there.

 

[Meadowlark]

Welcome @chris330r .

Have you considered dwarf citrus? Several varieties to choose from including Lemons (e.g., 'Improved Meyer', 'Dwarf Lisbon'), Limes (e.g., 'Dwarf Bearss Seedless'), Oranges (e.g., 'Dwarf Campbell Valencia', 'Dwarf Washington Navel'), and Grapefruit (e.g., 'Dwarf Redblush').

 

[chris330r]

Welcome @chris330r .

Have you considered dwarf citrus? Several varieties to choose from including Lemons (e.g., 'Improved Meyer', 'Dwarf Lisbon'), Limes (e.g., 'Dwarf Bearss Seedless'), Oranges (e.g., 'Dwarf Campbell Valencia', 'Dwarf Washington Navel'), and Grapefruit (e.g., 'Dwarf Redblush').

Thanks for the welcome and advice. I'd prefer just simple flowers or small greenery. I did debate between fruits or vegetables, but decided on pretty flowers to give color and scent and hopefully even attract butterflies.
And I also thought about sneaky neighbors possibly picking the fruits or vegetables that grew before I got to them so I don't want to inadvertently entice them lol.