Hi zig, great house. I would plant something tall in the corner of the front bed beside the stair. Because it is retaining wall made bed, I'm guessing you can't plant a real tree or the roots would probably destroy the wall. I'd suggest a shrub with arching branches. I think bridal wreath spirea would be lovely. In the spring its long branches are covered in white blooms and after that it is just nice green backdrop. Make sure you buy a variety that will grow tall (at least 7' for that corner I'd think). Another nice shrub for that spot might be a tall variety of hydrangea. I just bought one that is suppose to grow to 6' and has lime coloured leaves. Next to the taller shrub in the corner you could do two other smaller shrubs - maybe a purple leaf sand cherry or european cranberry (red leaves) and a goldmound spirea. In the front of the bed, depending on your level of gardening and how much work you want to do, you could either plant colourful annuals every year or do some low maintenance perenials that will come back every year. A row of yellow stella d'oro daylilies across the front of the bed would look lovely and be almost maintenance free. A few hosta stuck in among the daylilies would add interest. If it was me, I'd probably do 3 or 4 large clumps of plants in the front of the bed - one clump of the stella d'oro's another of hostas, etc. Then you could do a couple of trailing vines in between. Another option for the back of the bed would be to still do the tall spirea in the corner, but then do a row of controlled hedge all the same height along the rest the wall. Two or three alpine current could be trimmed to have a very clean profile. Or two or three hydrangeas for a more flowing free form hedge. Just some ideas. No matter what you do, it's already gorgeous. Enjoy. A series of books I've found really helpful are by Lois Hole. You could look for the one on trees and shrubs and another on perennials.

Thank you ladies : ) but these last images of the house are Jay's vision for his place. Awm, I especially appreciate your acknowledging my input and ideas, as the photoshopping is simply a design and communication tool. I always wonder if anyone notices, or appreciates more than the shopping! The creativity and challenges are where my heart is, aside from loving to help people solve their problems or achieve their vision. And, of course, I want to be good at that, too! I'm glad you always learn something. So do I! One always needs to learn more, and it makes the process all the more fun. So, thank you, again, for your compliments and encouragement on projects : ) It is very much appreciated.

Nice job Michoumonster! kaysd - I've found that it you can take a picture from straight on, it's much easier to photoshop. Love your luce di luna; looked for, lusted after, but couldn't find slabs I liked. The hood looks great IMHO. Best, oldbat2be

The windows on the peak, the stone inside the front porch, the window inside the porch says that was a later add on to me. I agree working with the stone is your best bet since it's inside too. #1DD just purchased a home that yours reminds me of. Lots to do to these post war homes. Have fun!!! If you expand your front steps/decking to the right with maybe even a pergola, perhaps the brick won't be so loud and proud as the back drop to a nice front patio.