I need a design help.  My garage is in the back half of my yard with lots of room behind it.  When I first moved here 10yrs ago  I put in a vegtable garden, it was great now I do not have time for a large vegtable garden and I am at a loss of what to do behind my garage.  I have had nothing but weeds for the last two summers. I need help.  Any suggestions would be great!

Michgreenthumb 

Michgreenthumb,
I think Stan the Roseman is on the right track. I would kill all the weeds that have remained in your area, mulch to a depth of 2-3 inches deep, and plant some low-maintenance shrubs that will bring you beauty, color and enjoyment all year long. If you have the room, why not plant some larger-growing shrubs that people with small properties drool over. I would personally shoot for a mix of evergreen and deciduous, with the placement of the evergreens in places where you may wish to screen an unsightly view. Here are some suggestions:

Viburnums - they do well in your area and have flower, fruit and fall color, in general

Lilacs - why not have at least 1 fragrant harbinger of spring? Think of some more unusual species like Meyer lilac (Syringa meyeri 'Palabin') or late lilac (Syringa villosa).

Roses - as Stan mentioned, these are beautiful and can be low care if you choose wisely with the correct cultivar.

There are many wonderful plants to consider, such as chokeberry (Aronia), sweetspire (Itea), ornamental grasses, dogwoods, serviceberries, on and on...

As for evergreens, there are arborvitae (Thuja), yews (Taxus), boxwood (Buxus) and smaller growing spruce (Picea), fir (Abies), and pines (Pinus).

You might also consider planting a groundcover that will eventually cover the area under the planted shrubs and then you'll have an even lower maintenance area that takes care of itself.

Mark Miller