Is it real brick under the shutters? Have you ever spoken to a pro about whether what's there could be repaired to allow you to remove the shutters? It's too bad the previous owners didn't leave behind -- if they ever had them, a complete set of bifolds that would actually been usuable in protecting that window, unfolding across the whole arch space when shut. But if this is all you have to work with and no chance of repairing what's underneath, I'd consider painting the shutters the same shade as the brick or possible something close to black to match the window. Before I did any of this I would use paper or cardboard or painted foam board and tape it up onto the shutters to see what color looked good. Maybe it should be the same color as the garage doors and posts. Just decide after other works is finished.

big city name in every post when you want to talk about plants.. thats why most of us have the info in our names.. fall is a great time to work on the lawn.. so it will come up fast and strong in spring.. next.. decide and build beds.. which depends on how much gardening you want to do.. have those beds ready for spring ... lets not waste time on gardens.. if you dont want to hobby in the garden... its 2 different goals is my point... start with the backbones of the garden.. such as trees in the lawn.. and shrubs.. be sure to discover the long term potential of shrubs.. before you plant them a foot from the foundation.. keep in mind.. foundation plants are to hide the foundation.. NOT ON THE FOUNDATION... properly sited.. means you dont have to shear the beegeebees out of it twice a year... when we more fully ID your goals.. we can add such forums as shrubs.. perennial.. annuals.. roses.. etc ... ken

You have a lovely house and a nice piece of land to work with. So much of landscaping is dependent on where you live -- the weather, soil, local pests, etc. IMO it's important to hire local people who understand local conditions, materials, etc. I suggest you figure out your budget, make a list of priorities (don't forget irrigation) then hire a local landscape designer to come up with a plan. It all adds up fast so get ready for a reality check. You can find design firms in your area, or check with near-by full-service nurseries -- many of them offer affordable landscape design services. Take your time, go on garden tours, do your homework and talk to several design firms. And have fun! It's going to be beautiful!

Thanks, Celery. We were hoping to stay within the current flower bed that is already there. It may look like our front yard is large in the picture but it really is not. The current flower bed is 13 feet long, and 6 feet at its widest and 3 feet at its shortest.