dsb, I've noticed that there is a dark gray/blue used for the shutters on some of the other houses, and it is much nicer than my shutter color. Every house has white trim, though. So we'll see - I have no idea how open they will be to the request. I think the potential problem will be the dark trim and removing the shutters. I don't think that painting the foundation will be an issue. Widening the walkway - interesting! I hadn't thought of that, but I will look into doing it. (I think I will also hve to get permission to do this.) I definitely see how it would look a lot nicer if it were as wide as the steps. I don't really like the pots on the first step now, and would love to get them (or some other containers) their own little spot. Good idea. oilpainter, I definitely agree about repairing the gate so that it won't sag. It has been driving me nuts for a while but I haven't gotten around to figuring out how to fix it. As far as painting the fence, I actually really love the look of the weathered wood, so I'm going to leave that as is. I know it isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I really like it. lazygardens, I like your idea about having some plantings at the intersection of the public sidewalk and the walk to the house. Very few of the houses on my street have any kind of landscaping (And most of the backyards are just a dirt hill - barely even any grass!), but one that is really nice has some nice little raised beds on either side of the walk to the house. It is so inviting and pleasant. I'd love to do that if funds allow. What about putting a few squares of paver (above and beyond any path widening) and putting containers there? Do you think that would have the same effect? karin, thanks for the additional feedback. I think I just didn't explain myself fully or clearly, because I think I am open to some changes. I was kind of imagining it as an all or nothing thing, especially before I had heard any ideas. But a lot of the suggestions are not huge major things, and they are all under consideration! Thank you all so much for your help! It has been really helpful to have your input and thoughts. I really welcome all the ideas. I'm still a ways away from doing the work, but this is really helpful to get me thinking about it in new ways. And when I do get around to getting started, I promise I'll post photos! Oh, and a quick question - as I said earlier, I have to get a big stump ground out of the right bed. Can I do that right before I plant new plants, or should there be some time between removal and planting?

First thought would be wintergreen, it has attractive red berries the the birds love and it is also evergreen. Second if you are looking for more invasive is english ivy, though it will not do so great in our southern full sun. It may tend to look a little more sparse. In the shade it would be great, rocks no problem. Also this is another evergreen. Periwinkle, would be pretty but also invasive but nowhere near the english ivy and it does not care for our southern full sun either. Creeping juniper, it is evergreen and it tolerates full sun. I am assuming here you are looking for evergreen.

On the slope in partial shade try creeping jenny, just buy enough to cover it, it will spread slowly in poor soil, but it is really nice. It will turn red in the winter for you. In the sun, buy some sedum and ice plant, both. They will both spread good for you and you won't have to worry about constantly watering them all summer long. You can buy both of these in the spring at any home center, they have nice varieties to choose from.

Hydrangeas are good shrubs for Zone 7 it starts out with red blooms that turn purple. It will also bloom on new growth. NO need to worry about damaged flower buds with this variety. I planted on in my cousins yard last year & it bloomed from the summer until it got cold.