New Landscape, need some advice

My wife and I went out on a limb and relanscaped our bed ourselves. We are unsure about a couple things and need a little advice.

In the middle of the retaining wall is a jap maple but it has full sun exposure and we are learning that it will burnout. So what else can we put there that won't block the spiral? We would like another very small tree there.

Also, what do guys think about the weeping cherry in the other corner. Does it look stupid. That area actaully gets morning sun and afternoon shade, (perfect place for the Jap maple, huh) but there might be too much red in one area with the burberrys.

Just looking for some thoughts from some people more familiar with this. We love everything except for the corners. Here are the pics:

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Hi mwright, welcome to the Stew.

I think that you and your wife have made a wonderful start. Smile

The rock wall is a beautiful feature, and the spiral-cut tree is a lovely focal point.
My instinct would be to let it be the only tall plant in that part of the bed
and to carry over the reddish shade with something lower growing,
perhaps another Burberry, or several dwarf Nandina for a "feathery" texture
and bright red berries late in the season (if those will grow where you live).

Personally, I don't think that the Burberrys are "too much" at all in combo with something green,
in fact, I find your use of red, green, grey and golden foliage color very attractive.

I actually think that it would be good to move your Maple to another location,
where it can be a focal point too, and not compete with the spiral.
You don't say what part of the world you live in,
some of the members here have fabulous Japanese Maples growing in full sun,
but I know that here, in southeast N. Carolina, full sun is a bit too fierce for mine. Confused

I think the weeping cherry has just the right softening effect for that corner . . . today,
I only wonder if it will outgrow the space? Of course, I don't know the specific variety
you have planted, or it's specific growth characteristics, so it could be just fine,
but I have a weeping cherry tree that hubby and I planted 10-12 years ago
and I really wish I had chosen a different location for it. Rolling Eyes

It easily measures 15 feet tall and about 30 feet across the canopy already,
and just keeps on growing wider and wider.

_________________

~*~ zuzu ~*~
I put a lot of myself into my garden.