Since you haven't had any response, I will try to help. If the sod is 4 weeks old, is it possible that watering twice a day is too much? Is that area saturated? I see lawn chairs, have you been sitting in that area? Could it be damage due to traffic? What was the quality of the soil in that area? Any different from the rest of the lawn? I dont think it's possible to harm the lawn by mowing too often. In fact the grass looks a little long.

They bloom in fall and winter -- that is the great thing about them! And you have picked two nice varieties. Here is a link to some planting tips. (See below.) The main thing I have found is to plant them high in a wide but shallow hole, so they will not later sink below grade. And use plenty of good planting mix (it is worth it). Give them plenty of water during dry spells for the first couple of years until they get established. Here is a link that might be useful: Camellia Planting Tips

Once the changes to the house are made, getting professional landscaping would be great. The front entry area seems unusual as it looks more like a rear enclosed porch. Does that inside area actually contain living space or is it an entry? Opening that up and making it more “ front porch like” might be all of the exterior changes that are necessary. Hopefully some of these talented people can show some renditions.

Since this a crocheted sweater with sleeves made as a part of the body, I would seam it from the front side. It doesn't really matter whether you start from the bottom ribbing or from the sleeve ribbing, but you will find yourself seaming the sleeve along the same direction as the sleeve which is easier than when you seam down the body. It is important to keep from pulling your joining stitches too tight, and especially important to match up the prominent lines on the body when seaming.