That retaining wall was probably put in when they built the homes. Yes dry stack is expensive, if the HOA approves, but if you do it yourself you cut the cost. I agree with taking out the large plants. Some evergreens, i.e. smaller variety of azaleas and some perennials would brighten up the spot, coreopsis, coneflower, aster, lupine but remember unless an evergreen variety it will look barren in the winter and amend the soil.

You use the term 'retaining wall', I assume you are referring to the edging material separating the lawn from the planting bed. If so, here are some suggestions: 1) Yes, remove all the existing plants, 2) The planting bed should be curved (both sides of the porch) which will soften the straight lines of the walk, porch and building. The left side should be the same height as the point it touches the porch/walk, 3) You should be able to cut down and paint the pipe so only the cap is visible. Check with HOA and city building code department, and 4) Your choice of plants is very good. Just don't over plant. Remember, plants grow so consider the mature size when spacing them at planting time.

I would not build the wall higher than the height of the foundation since you don't want soil up against the brick.

If the HOA won't let you cut the pipe, then just paint it black and plant around it.
Instructions will come with the stone, but even for a short wall you'll need to dig a trench below soil level, fill with crushed gravel and then lay your stone so that you have a level first layer. In your case it appears you may have to do a step-down to achieve level.

As petzold mentioned, curve the bed so that it joins the small bed next to the steps.

I can't identify that tall plant behind the shrubs, but something of that height would look nice to the right of the steps.

if it were me, i'd forget building the wall - there are enough stones in this area already! you need to soften the look of the house to make it inviting. consider a spreading but small tree - a japanese maple or dogwood if it fits your zone - between the door and 2 front windows, with underplantings of bushes that will grow to the top of the stoop height. this will also make the stoop look wider, and, ultimately, more inviting. then smaller plants to finish the bed. you can duplicate the tree and shrubs on the other side to make it uniform, or do a complementary tree - a different color or variety. don't forget to remember seasonal interest - something with red winter berries, or red bark japanese maple would be gorgeous next to that door!

everything is very angular about the house, so think about round leaves and round shapes. it's a lovely house! REALLY dig the red door!

Thank you all for your suggestions, they are all very helpful.

bullthistle: Evergreens and curves both sound like a very good idea.

petzold6596: All the building code says about cleanouts is that they must have 18" of accessibility in front of them, doesn't specify anything about height. I will try and cut the pipe down and cap it off, and maybe paint it black while I am at it.

annz: If I build the wall it would only be one or two feet high. How would you see me doing a step down? Just split down the middle, one half lower than the other?

genuineimitation: If I don't build a low wall, what would you suggest I do about the visible erosion under the steps and stoop? I'd need to build it up, but without a wall I think it would just eventually erode away again. I don't have a lot of property, so I wouldn't have room for anything bigger than a bush on the smaller side of the front yard. Thank you for your other suggestions about design. I'm glad you like the house and the door!

By step-down, look at the link below to see how the first courses are laid to achieve level.

I still think 1-2' is going to be too high against the brick.

If you've never laid stone be aware that pieces may need to be broken or chipped in order to fit into each row.

The easiest fix would be to buy topsoil and pack it back in around the stoop. Then raise your bed with soil/much so that it slopes down toward the grass. I'd also remove the edging that is there now and just have a separation of grass and mulch as your edge.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:40784}}