New guy here from Georgia. Fiance and I just purchased a house and the backyard has a great deal of potential. However, we don't even know where to begin! Hoping some of you could throw me some ideas...
The way our backyard is set up: At the very top, we have some space that might be unusable. We can't grow grass up there because it gets too much shade. So my options might be limited. I was thinking I might be able to do something under the big tree (in the very middle of the first picture) maybe hostas and some other shade loving plants.
For the mid and lower levels, I am looking for something to accent the stairs and walls, but not overtake them. The half circle area on the left hand side will eventually be turned into a fire pit area with rocks and seating, so mainly the mid level and lower right section of the wall area will be what I'm working with. Ideally I'd like something low-laying in front of the walls for sure, and maybe something on top of the lower one.
Specifics:
I live in North GA (Canton, GA to be exact)
Backyard is very shaded, but does get occasional sunlight (probably no more than 6-7 hours a day and mostly noon-6pm)
Looking for design ideas to really accent the retaining walls and stairs
I love hostas, Brunnera, Heuchera, Hydrangeas, ferns, and I'm open to anything else!
Oh, and I'd like to keep the maintenance relatively low, although I know that's not always possible.
Fire away!

