I don't think that you will be happy with the columnar evergreen in that location. The reason is that the driveway forces the plant inside of the corner of the house. Rather than mitigating the abrupt vertical edge of the house, it will accentuate the edge.

Accentuating the edge will also draw more attention to the garage in the background.

You could use a soft form that is not columnar to break the line of the house close to the house. An ornamental grass would be good because it would neither damage the car nor be permanently damaged by cars or snow plowing. It has to cross over the vertical edge in order to be effective.

The problem is that the edge is such a strong element that it visually advances unless you create some effect to make it retreat.

Another trick to put that edge into the background is to make a strong middle ground in front of it. The driveway still forces the planting to be put in the ground inside of the edge which makes it difficult. Then the branching has to be out of the way of the vehicles using the driveway. Logic would lead us to a tree that can be planted off of the driveway with branching that can be above the vehicles while still "breaking" that edge of the house. It needs to be well out in front of the house so that it is not tied to the house visually (not to mention the branches over crowding). A root barrier can be used to protect the driveway. This would also do the most to make the garage a non-issue. It is not to screen, but to distract. It is a very effective method.

I would also suggest that you solve the other sideline of the property before adding to much weight to the left of the door or you will have a very out of balanced look.

Obviuosly you didn't listen to what others said on your previous two posts. I am always amazed that when people ask for input and that it is always ignored. Hey if you want to focus on your garage go for it. As others have said your house has rigid lines and you need to soften them. Plant a small tree next to the drive and some small flowering woody plants in front of your windows, i.e. potentilla. Only rhodys will soften the lines of your house, but their are plenty of deciduous that will do the same thing.

Here is a link that might be useful: Propagating Perennials

It is best to ignore posts that bother you rather than become bitter and respond with rudeness.

Thanks for your comments. Several responses:

(1) the "left" edge of our house is actually a nice architectural feature that I do not want to mask. The builder of the house did that sloping edge sort of as a stylistic thing. If you can't see it, in the picture, it slopes outward from the edge of the house nicely.

(2) The garage will be dealt with separately, probably by replacing the door and painting everything a muted sand color(s) (the house trim will be done at the same time).

(3) I was thinking evergreen over deciduous because I wanted winter interest. I also think an evergreen lends a little more formality to the rest of the garden than deciduous would.

(4)I agree with laag that the "rightmost" shrub may throw everything off balance. Just playin' with ideas right now.

(5) Please dispense with the superior attitude, bullthistle! I do not have to "listen" to you or anyone else. You do not know my gardening provenance, nor I yours, so good manners would dictate that we treat each other with mutual respect. That said, I DO appreciate your insights, so thanks for them.

That sloping edge is very unique and, I agree, it is something that should be shown off to its best advantage. I do have a feeling, however, that a columnar conifer might make the edge look odd and off-balance rather than showing it off. I'm not sure though.

Keep playing with that tablet (how I wish I had one!) I never saw the original post, but I'm sure someone suggested a great ornamental tree on that side of the yard, rather than a shrub or bush closer to the house. The tree would bring the eye to that side of the house and, voila, you see that really cool architectural detail without it being obscured. The tree would also add balance and height to the overall plan. There are many great trees with such lovely form and bark that they provide MORE winter interest than an evergreen might. I do like the idea of a good sized shrub nearer to the house and the stairs, though.

Hi--thanks for all of the comments. I will probably end up resizing the original photo I did and adding another with a deciduous tree. Will still appreciate any comments/thoughts from you all regarding cultivars. Really appreciate gardenweb--what a wonderful community! Thanks again--

why don't you post on the home decoration forum. THey always have great ideas also!

And now for something completely different... Believe it or not, I was thinking of your house as I drove many hours on the freeway today to Pasadena and back. Pasadena is home to a high concentration of arts and crafts homes, and your somewhat arts and crafts/English influenced house pushed its way into my thoughts.

I knew instinctively the columnar plant was wrong; it actually interferes with the subtlety of the sloped wall.

Ivy. Not that nasty Hedera helix. Boston ivy, the kind that turns color in fall. To be sure, I've never grown it myself and may be blissfully unaware of the pitfalls of this plant, but visually, it fits like a silk glove. A fine tracery starting at the lower left corner, yes!

And do paint the garage a nice shade of sand as you've said, it will disappear.

Stone columns matching the stone around your door topped with little A frame something, on either side of the driveway with a iron,fancy gate and a buzzer that swings the gates open upon request.

Great house. Other then that how about A single stem large Kousa dogwood, a couple of maintained dwarf English weeping yews, a decidious Azalea that will bloom with the Kousa, as well as Vinca minor 'bowles' as the primary ground cover. Good luck. I have to pick up kids.
Ally

Sorry that I don't have all the details. I know lots of folks have been throwing out suggestion. Look forward to the decision.

Your house is gorgeous. That flaring toward the foundation is the first thing I noticed, and it really is special. Since there are matching flares at the entrance, I think I would just plant under the window, at least 3' out, and leave those corners alone. I don't know what shrubs you might use, but something dense I think would be best.

You handled all the rudeness here very nicely. Sometimes this Design forum can be the most rude of all the forums on GW. It's just the way it is, but there is still a lot we can learn here.

Good luck, and have a great season.

Look at using a Fagus sylvatica 'Roseomarginata' or a purple leaved Beech.

Beech can't be beat! Great architectural structure and winter color that'll match your brick.

Your house is very charming, Philosopher. You didn't indicate whether or not you have a lot of sun or sun/shade or the measurements of your space.

I specialize in small urban yards and of course limited space is a big challenge. During my travels in England and Ireland I've encountered so many homes similar to yours and they always captured my attention with their simply but beautiful designs.

If you have sun ( 4 hrs. at least ) I could envision a climbing rose where you have the conical conifer. The rose could be trained on a trellis to arch over the curved windows. I would seek a climber that has a very long bloom time.

If you'd like drama you could create a small brick square in the center and place a bird bath on it. I think a knot garden of brick paths radiating in four different directions from the center square would look fantastic. The four planting beds could be filled with evergreen boxwood for year round color, miniature roses, lavender, and other colorful plants of your choosing.

An option to brick would be to create the beds with small boxwood ( evergreen all year ) .

Here is a link that might be useful: Sweet Home and Garden Chicago

As in my "other" thread on this subject (with the resized photos), I would like to thank each and every one of you for your thoughtful comments. I'll be sure to keep everyone in the loop (with photos, of course) of the progression of our yard. Thank you all so much!