I need some advice about what to plant in a small bed that's maybe 10 ft x 2-4 ft in some spots. There are two ugly shrubs that can't be removed, two small hostas and a small coneflower. I don't know what to plant that will be reasonably attractive and prevent it from needing to be weeded all the time.
Any suggestions? Zone is 7a, the plot is south-facing and the budget is small. Is there anything I can still plant this late in the season that will flourish in the spring or summer, or do I need to wait until spring? How well does mulch prevent weeds? Should I leave the weeds there over the fall and winter, or remove them and leave the soil bare, or do something else? The weeds are mostly clover and crabgrass.