It is important to start with "specimen grade" shrubs that are designed for the bed space to be planted.  Bargain plants that are sickly are not worth your time and effort. Do not buy them. Keeping color in the landscape year round is your ultimate goal (nine out of ten people will say all green shrubs is boring). To create a beautiful landscape, use a variety of plant stock with balance and symmetry while creating bed designs that have contour and silhouette to break up all the right angles in the hard scape and building lines.  The buildings tones / textures should be taken into consideration when choosing plants that will "contrast" with these architectural features. Plants that grow great in rich mid-western soil may not be suited for upstate S.C. red clay,planting them "in hopes" that they will do well is not an option.We maintain what we install so we have an acute knowledge of what will and what will not work!When in doubt enlist a professional!