IÂm usually a lurker and am a plantaholic type so feel free to ignore my comments. I love your view! And the house looks pretty interesting tooÂ.:-) mad gallicaÂs comments on side shrub border are the ones that resonate most with me. To that list of shrubs IÂd add the old-fashioned favorites of Bridalwreath Spirea and Beautybush (Kolkwitzia amabilis) for a great old-fashioned mixed flowering shrub hedge in combination with the shrubs mad gallacia suggested. Since all the shrubs on that combined list are spring or early summer bloomers, IÂd plant group 3 clematis to climb over them for some later flowers. Then IÂd line the path from the gate and along the fence with a nice wide perennial border heavy on later flowering perennials and interesting annuals. IÂd add a Downy Serviceberry tree or two for spring bloom, berries for the birds (and people if you can get to them before the birds do!) and great fall color. I'm not a big fan of most evergreens but others are so I'm sure there'll be suggestions of what to add for 'winter interest'.... Deciduous trees and shrubs are effective wind screens by slowing down and filtering the wind to reduce its force.

dsb, I've noticed that there is a dark gray/blue used for the shutters on some of the other houses, and it is much nicer than my shutter color. Every house has white trim, though. So we'll see - I have no idea how open they will be to the request. I think the potential problem will be the dark trim and removing the shutters. I don't think that painting the foundation will be an issue. Widening the walkway - interesting! I hadn't thought of that, but I will look into doing it. (I think I will also hve to get permission to do this.) I definitely see how it would look a lot nicer if it were as wide as the steps. I don't really like the pots on the first step now, and would love to get them (or some other containers) their own little spot. Good idea. oilpainter, I definitely agree about repairing the gate so that it won't sag. It has been driving me nuts for a while but I haven't gotten around to figuring out how to fix it. As far as painting the fence, I actually really love the look of the weathered wood, so I'm going to leave that as is. I know it isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I really like it. lazygardens, I like your idea about having some plantings at the intersection of the public sidewalk and the walk to the house. Very few of the houses on my street have any kind of landscaping (And most of the backyards are just a dirt hill - barely even any grass!), but one that is really nice has some nice little raised beds on either side of the walk to the house. It is so inviting and pleasant. I'd love to do that if funds allow. What about putting a few squares of paver (above and beyond any path widening) and putting containers there? Do you think that would have the same effect? karin, thanks for the additional feedback. I think I just didn't explain myself fully or clearly, because I think I am open to some changes. I was kind of imagining it as an all or nothing thing, especially before I had heard any ideas. But a lot of the suggestions are not huge major things, and they are all under consideration! Thank you all so much for your help! It has been really helpful to have your input and thoughts. I really welcome all the ideas. I'm still a ways away from doing the work, but this is really helpful to get me thinking about it in new ways. And when I do get around to getting started, I promise I'll post photos! Oh, and a quick question - as I said earlier, I have to get a big stump ground out of the right bed. Can I do that right before I plant new plants, or should there be some time between removal and planting?

I agree with arbordale that it would be an improvement to widen the drive at the right side of garage as if the walk extended all the way to street. Also, it would be good to enhance the entrance to the walk (next to the garage front corner) because the house entrance is so distant. It's hard to offer much help on planting schemes as the pictures are poor quality and wrong views. Upload better ones with good lighting and sharp focus that show the areas well and you'll probably get more suggestions. I agree with removal of the overgrown shrubs. also, I would oppose hemming in the walk with plantings alongside. But you need the better picture in order for anyone to see what the possibilities are.

Thanks... glad you like it! Yes that juniper is in trouble... I cut the smallest little root when I was installing the drip line into that planter and it looks like it is on the way out now. Oh well, a little mound of colorful succulents will go there now.