Ron, Thanks for sharing this. I live in Texas and I had no idea that this amazing artwork existed. have you read "Issac's Storm"? It is a very interesting account of the 1900 storm.

Glad you enjoyed the link. Yes, it will definitely need to be scaled down, but the pictures give you a sense of what types of plantings you'll need. To widen your sidewalk... Imagine you are standing in the driveway looking at the sidewalk. Now, step 4 feet to the right and mark a point. From that point at the edge of the drive, connect it to the corner of the sidewalk (patio). It should make a triangle. Now, just make a little curve to the line, either in or out, whatever you like, pave it in the same stone as your other area, and now you have an "entry court" instead of just a sidewalk. I'm imagining the entire paved area as one big space. You could even move some of the shrubs from in front of the windows to enclose your little courtyard, or an outline of lavender would look really great too. Then you could plant some creeping fig on the garage wall behind the bench and put up a little wall fountain which will eventually be surrounded by the plants. Or put 3-5 big pots with Italian cypress or other tall narrow shrub along the wall. Certainly save the crepe myrtle, It would look fine on the L of the drive. The other thing to think of is what you are going to be using your front yard for, if anything? Do you need the grass for play, do you want a strolling garden? You mentioned a nice entry and some privacy, is the side road busy? Do you need a big hedge on that side, or just something to add interest and make the house seem less exposed? ANother thought- put an oversized lantern on either side of your garage (mediterranean style, of course!)

drewsmaga we are still getting 24/7 coverage on our Texas news station I think the mass media isn't covering it because they can't find any kind of issue to exploit like the they did with Katrina. Here in Texas most of the people are helping each other and the non-gvt places are doing most or almost all of the care as to food etc FEMA has and is sending in truckloads of water, ice and MRE's but it is the Red Cross Salvation Army and units from different local and out of town church groups who have been providing hot meals and comfort Local YMCA's are offering a free shower and internet connection to those who need it. There is a problem regarding those who need help ala food stamps etc Many are walking away with around $14 from them to help out.over 500 people have camped out overnight waiting so they would be first in line. They have spent most if not all their money evacuating and have nothing left. while power is getting back on not all communities have it We are all grateful for the out of town help ala power and utility companies who have sent in help I also think this will be a test example in the long run as to how cities go about honing their disaster plan in case of an attack or some other disaster. I can't get any info as to how my NE Texas city is prepared or what plans they have.

These are the images. As you see, the walls aren't perfectly smooth so they don't come out well on camera but look great in person. I wanted to add that the doors look really bad and don't contrast favorably against the walls. Any ideas on what I can do to sort that our?