That’s a cute little cottage. Where the red chair is now, I wouldn’t put a trellis or furniture or tall plant. That’s not a big enough space for large things. Where the gravel is - is that where you were thinking of a table and chairs? What’s to the left of this picture? Is there a flat level space over there for your table? The right corner of the house is the place for an ornamental tree. Something that would mature at about 25 feet or so. One more thing - the messy gravel edge bugs me. You could install some edging blocks along there to contain the gravel creep. Just dig a shallow trench and line them up. (Admittedly I’m OCD about things like that.)

Consider a larger tile in cream or neutral, like 16 or 20" size, gives you more room to walk on around the outside. Like the photo Irene Morresey posted. Then you can add a nice large container pot at the corners with flowers/plants to your liking. Also, consider burying the gutter drains before laying the tiles. I sure need a get-a-way room like that! Good Luck!

Check with your community for restrictions before investing in any improvements and engage a landscape architect for professional advice. Typically, homeowners can install plants and can build temporary (removable) structures within an easement. Keep in mind that any planting, fence, etc. cannot obstruct the flow of water to the culvert. If you're experiencing drainage issues, read our blog article How to Fix Backyard Drainage Problems the Right Way. Before: Modifying the landform in an area with drainage issues After: Completed drainage enhancement and landscaping project Good luck with your project!

Yes, the Reno for this house was no-joke - unfortunately nothing was really salvageable from the original. The driveway is actually pretty wide and that backup area makes it quite easy - I become used to it fairly quickly. Luckily the street it exits into is not busy at all and dead-ends (unlike the street in front of the house). Thanks again everyone for your input. I'll definitely post before/after, although the progress might not be very fast (its looking like just the ready-hedge for the border will run me about 8-10K). I'll be starting with that first and handling the steep slopes that are annoying to mow. Then maybe i'll deal with making the inside/outside of the hedge look nice. I'm also still trying to figure out what to do at the steps from the sidewalk to the walkway that leads to the front door - should the hedge just stop at both sides? I was thinking of some sort of brick columns and maybe a gate, but I think the brick may look odd since there is no brick on this house - I originally purchased the Taylor junipers because I figured they would be good to frame the steps and would look better than just stopping the hedges at either side, but I see what @mindshift is saying about them growing tall and overwhelming the walkway....