We installed periwinkle 4 years ago but it hasn't spread well. The area still needs extensive weeding. Area is under trees. Top as oil is poor and shallow with clay underneath.
It sounds like the area needs a little work before planting a groundcover. Weeding and adding a layer of compost or cow manure will help the plants get off to a good start and help loosen up the clay. These articles should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/deer-proof-groundcovers.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/how-to-improve-clay-soil.htm
Actually, the best thing you can put under a tree is mulch out to the dripline. Adding plants under trees can interfere with the tree's feeder roots as well as steal water and nutrition from the tree.
The front of my house where I have flower beds, they are in shade all winter long, and during the summertime only part of the area gets afternoon sun. The question is, what type of plants should I get for this type of area where part of the bed gets some afternoon sun exposure during the summer but the rest of it is still in the shade? Now, for the back yard I have a flower bed in two different areas. One area gets sun all year long, and the other area where we have this large tree during the winter it's all sun because the tree loses its leaves but during the summer once the tree has it's leaves part of the are becomes complete shade and part of it gets morning sun and some afternoon sun. What type of plants should we get for this kind of area since the sun exposure changes? I really appreciate you help in this matter.
You wouldn't need to worry about the winter situation so much because most plants are dormant anyway, plus light is reduced during the winter regardless whether it is full sun. I suggest choosing plants based on the light in summer. Sounds like plants for sun and part sun and plants for shade would work. Also, most plants that need full sun will also do OK in part sun (except veggies). And plants for shade usually do fine with a little sun, too, or dappled shade.
Here are some suggestions.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-7/zone-7-full-sun-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-7/zone-7-shade-plants.htm
Can I plant a butterfly bush (budleja daviddi), or is it considered invasive here? If not a butterfly bush, do you have another bush suggestion? As far as smaller plants, what do you recommend other than milkweeds? Thank you!
Grand Rapids is in hardiness zones 5 and 6. Butterfly bushes are generally hardy to zone 5, but check the tag before purchasing. The newer varieties are sterile and will not set seed. I've also included information on attracting butterflies and bees.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/butterfly-bush/controlling-butterfly-bushes.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/butterfly-bush/butterfly-bush-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/beneficial/attracting-bees.htm
I have 2 heavy planters by the door they are estimate 8 inch depth and 10 width. The sun is there is the morning which is not hot, and gone before 12. I am looking for something that will look pretty all summer and most of the autumn. My first thought were Hosta as they come in many colours. What do you think?
I was thinking begonias but hostas would work, too. You will only get one or two in each planter, though.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/hosta/sun-tolerant-hostas-2.htm
I have an in ground pool and it has a 3 foot surround of the pool deck (concrete). I live in Zone 6. What would be the best perennials to plant that would take up the bed. I have ornamental grass in there not. Any help would be appreciated.
This article should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/spaces/planting-around-pools.htm
There is space near my front where I am planing to do monochromatic planting
Here are ideas for annuals:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/fgen/annual-plants-for-cold-climates.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-3/growing-annuals-in-zone-3.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/fgen/creating-a-garden-masterpiece-with-annuals.htm
We planted a gardenia in a large clay planter (7-8 gls). It had sunlight in the morning but was shaded in the afternoon. This last winter in southern Arizona (Tucson area) was especially long and had several cold spells with snow on the ground four times. The temperature will have affected the plant because it dies despite my best efforts. I don't want to go through that experience again. So, now I am looking for a suitable plant and that corner outside the house but inside a porch. The new plant should be somewhat drought resistant because I don't have the time to water it often (once a week would be OK). The gardenia was just fickle as far as watering is concerned. If you have a suggestion, please let me know. Looking forward to hearing from you, cordially.
If you don't want a lot of watering chores you might want to consider succulents.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/scgen/bright-bold-succulents.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/scgen/succulent-container-ideas.htm