A reader writes: "Help!!!! Our new porch required a new entry walkway. The area to the left of the pavers is where the old path used to be. This side gets a lot of sun and is near a cedar and firs. The other side of the walkway in front of a shed is mostly shade and is only 5 feet wide. We are looking for plantings that will bring the two sides in balance with the walkway but still be soft against the straight lines of the pavers."

If you want to "even up" and soften this entry how about a soft peach and cream color scheme?

You could plant heat and sun resistant spireaeas on the sunny side where there is more room mixed with some taller Nandina.

Look for Spiraea 'Magic Carpet' and the taller 'Little Princess' for rounded shapes that will thrive in that poor compacted soil. Figure one Nandina (I like the new Seinna variety for the coppery peach foliage) and three spireaeas -- then repeat the patern.

On the shaded side, use peach Nandinas with shade tolerant heucheras like Peach Flambe and other orange and copper colors.

Add a tall and narrow coral bark maple in about the middle of the length of the bed. Choose a dark mulch like Gro-Co or mix dark steer manure with the soil for a contrast of the soil and the golden and peach plants.

Terra cotta pots with coleus would add to the welcome as would a bench or bird bath tucked under the trees with stepping stones.

Keep the foliage gold or lime green when you choose other plant material to fill in. Perhaps some gold hostas in the shade and vinca minor 'Illumination" for something very low. Plant in drifts rather than rows and stagger the plantings for a soft but welcoming finish.

It will be lovely.