Roselee- they have more energy than experience at DIY especially when it comes to landscaping. I know I did projects 10 or 15 years ago that i wouldn't think twice about hiring done today- mostly because I didn't realize what I was getting myself in to. But they've just finished some other projects that had to be hired out and are trying to do things that they can when it comes to the yard. I just don't want them to put a lot of sweat equity into this, and not have it look like they want at the end. Good point about the sprinklers. I wonder if they could be capped off somehow for now, but when they have a final layout maybe the water access lines could be converted to drip irrigation. Hmmm. Lynn Marie- I'm not sure you can call the mountain laurel healthy. It has a weird shape. I didn't include this picture initially because the lighting is horrible, but it shows a different angle for the mountain laurel. The trunk comes up at about 45 degrees from the ground and then 2 or three much smaller trunks shoot off straight up. It almost looks like someone tried cutting it down years ago, then it came back. Or maybe someone backed into it getting out of the driveway- it's pretty close to it. I guess you could limb it up some, but it would bug me if I was trying to back out. It's weird because the rest of the trees have been pruned and shaped pretty well You guys have made some great suggestions. Appreciate you looking it over and posting your thoughts. Thanks- Lisa

That Architectures 101 article on "Shudders", suggesting their removal in about every case where shutters are used, keeps being put forth as the final holy dictum on the subject. Personally, I reject it, thinking that today's use of shutters have moved well beyond actual or simulated function and have become, just trim ... another way to add some interest and detail on an otherwise dull and bland box. Accept it as the maxim if you will, but I think this shutter removal fad will run its course in another decade or so and start to be mentioned in the same way as "that's so 70's" ... or whatever decade you want to comment about that has little to offer today. Can't figure out why someone would say that landscape beds need to be serpentine. That can't be true because there are countless instances where it couldn't possibly work or be good. And the snakey serpentine is almost always bad. The bed line should geometrically fit the occasion. It's usually straight lines, curves, or a combination of the two. Maybe some angles thrown in. There is no blanket rule that fits all houses. The foundation planting does not seem to fit well to the house. It seems to have the urge to smother the house, but seems also to be simultaneously suppressed in its endeavors. The unbroken roof comes across as an uninteresting element and the house seems exposed. Some small trees off of the corners would help these conditions. the burning bush off of the right corner could be such a small tree, but this one is most likely too close to the house for that. The stoop could stand to be larger and not smothered by plants. A clearer path from the drive to stoop would help, too. The yard overall seems exposed so maybe some street trees could be fit in, too.

Some mock-up pictures! Light grey roof, added lots of glass to the front, added shutter over bath window, added courtyard. Added courtyard, left the front door (painted wood), left the red roof. Light grey roof, added light fascia boards, added courtyard, front door is painted wood. Example of dark roof. Light grey roof, white fascia, added glass at front yard, added courtyard, added bigger bath window. Med grey roof, dark grey fascia boards, added glass entrance, added bigger bath window, added courtyard

Extend a welcome! Develop a planting bed extending from the front walk across the front of the house along the bow window. Include low shrubs, groundcover, and colorful perennials for year-round interest. Reserve a small area dedicated for flowering annuals for a pop of color (see below). Consider integrating an additional focal point near the entrance. For example, you could draw attention and enhance the arrival experience with a small bubbling fountain or lovely piece of sculpture. Add a bench or chair for a welcoming touch and a spot from which to enjoy your yard. Photo Gallery Layered plantings