Any thoughts as to this landscape design for the front yard? Asked they make some choices with the criteria that plants are low maintenance, freeze resistant, and can deal with my heavy shade situation. Have two large live oaks, so most of the beds are getting 25% sun max. I have a sprinkler system and this is in the Houston area.

Have googled, but not familiar with a lot of these plants. The Aucuba in particular, thoughts? I had sort of requested Cleyera as the primary shrub (which he would do but mentioned it is less shade tolerant). I had Cleyera planted in my last home with a similar shade situation and it seemed to do pretty well.

Thanks!

There's no North arrow on Plans?
Your oaks will be more shady every year, so what was best prior might not be a good choice, even if a proven do-over. Certainly Google suggests the new plant is best, when applying your description, sans photos.

Additionally, if this designer holds both a Land.arch & Hort degree or license + some local experience with plant failures, you got to go with his ideas. OK of course to question caveats such as "black stems" and how to avoid such & care for the new ones. Paying for a doc's solution to your problem then not take the pills = ????

Glad you asked, being prudent is good and at least I learned something new here.

North would actually be up on the diagram. The oaks I think are at near maximum shadiness. Canopy is over the entire yard and then some, they're likely 30+ yo. I keep them as trimmed as possible without risking their health.

I'll probably just roll with his suggestions barring any red flags. I doubt he is licensed in anything but seems to have a lot of experience in the area.