To the right is a flowering Oak-leaf Hydrangea, Hydrangea quercifolia.
Small beds near the sidewalk must maintain a neat appearance. They can't be drooping where people walk.
A view of the small garden bed on the other side of the yard.
The bed to the right is a Rain Garden, featuring plants that prefer to be wet. It is watered from the garage's downspout.
Tall or large plants need an area that can accommodate them.
This corner of the backyard between the fence and garage became a "secret" sitting area. A "waterfall" was created using the garage's downspout and a garden hose. It feeds the rain garden, above.