The forsythia bushes are not as full as CG would like them to be, but at least they are still alive.
CG will be filling-in the bed with an additional 6 to 9 bushes in the next few months. Low branches from mature bushes were covered with mulch last fall, and should produce some healthy offspring ready for transplanting. With a lot of patience, fertilizer, and hard work (amending the clay-heavy soil), the forsythia bed will be a show-stopper next spring.
CG has started planting daffodils in the forsythia bed and likes the added effect. At least 12 more patches are in order.
