WOW! Nice job! I love the 'new' colors, and the front is more open too. I'm no landscaper, but I think you may want to add some color at the entrance - ixora comes to mind, or even a 'Knockout' shrub rose. If there's not enough sun due to the large tree, perhaps some caladiums in front of the shrub beds?
I know whatever you decide will look great, really nice transformation. Pat yourself on the back.

Thanks Jane!

I actually tore out some of the "shrubs" that were along the sidewalk opposite the Gardenia bush. What's there now is Tobacco plants and Turks Cap (although they are not in bloom right now). I'm thinking of tearing out the bushes that run across the front windows and putting a large bed in there. I'm not familiar with Ixora, so I will need to look that one up.

Thanks again!!
Marcia

I'm sensing a Mediterranean feel to your house and I think it would look good in your landscape too. I would take out the little crepe myrtle near the driveway, it sort of blocks the front and doesn't add much. You tree sort of looks like an olive tree, which goes with the Med flavor.
Widening the sidewalk would also make a more welcoming feel. As it is, it seems you have to walk pretty close to the house to get to the front door. Maybe make that a sweeping curve.
The brass kickplates on the door are a bit bright. Maybe try to patina them, or remove them.
Plants like Italian cypress (tall and narrow), lavender, rosemary, agapanthas, yucca, creeping fig. Decorations like olive jars.

Check out cotedetexas (dot) blogspot (dot) com and look on the left side for the topic "Joselyne Sibuet". There are some amazing hotels that have the look I am trying to describe.

You've already done so much- good luck on the rest of your transformation

Thank you, Dogridge!

I agree with you about the kick plates!! And I definitely will either replace or find a way to tone them down.

I believe the large tree is a Chinese Elm. (at least I think so??) It will be getting a trim this winter as this tree lost several branches during the hurricane. Am just grateful that it survived without too much damage.

What do you think about replanting the Crepe Myrtle as a part of a property line raised bed on the left side of the driveway?

I'm not sure how to incorporate a curve into the sidewalk in such a small space. ???? Any suggestions to accomplish this would be most welcome.

I did check out the info you posted. Wonderful stuff! I need to figure a way to scale it down in size so that I can incorporate some of it.

I never really thought of this house as having a Mediterranean feel to it, but after looking at Cote de Texas, I can see it now! And funny enough, I had already incorporated some of it inside! LOL!!! Go figure. :-)

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!)

OK, I think I understand now how to accomplish the entry court. Thank you!

The front yard is not used for anything at present, although we do sit outside on the bench sometimes. No kids, so no need for a play area.

Regarding privacy: I would like to make the house seem less exposed. I was thinking of strategically placed raised beds.

Maybe something similar in design to below but in plantings that would work for southeast Texas.

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

I would create a kidney-shaped flower bed encompassing the Crepe Myrtle and the elm and then put lower growing plants between them.