You have some lovely plantings there, but perhaps you could post some pics of the front of the house so the experts here can see how it all relates, if it does.

It sounds as if you dislike the natural growth habit of most of what you have, and the "blending in" which you seem to dislike is what most gardeners aim for. Perhaps you should take everything out and start over. BTW, you have some fine plants.

The weeping cedar does not seem like a good fit to me, in terms of the art of space. A bushy shrub (similar to what is at far right of picture) next to the steps would be a better look, but the cedar prevents it or screens it. Nor do I think it could be made to work.

In general, the plant height should be higher at lot line and descend toward the driveway, and higher at the back of the scene, descending toward the front. Therefore, the front left corner (where drive intersects with walk) would be the lowest, which it is not. I would replace the Muhgo pine with something 6" height or less. Would be good to be colorful given proximity to entrance. The Muhgo would be better in the bald spot at right of yard. Don't know what the likelihood of transplant success would be.

I also think the weeping cedar doesn't seem right for the location. In the side view it looks like it's trying to reach over and eat the front lawn. It also has a rather scraggly appearance that I think detracts from the rest of the area. Maybe it could be pruned to look tidier but ultimately, I can't help feeling it's too large for the space.

I can appreciate Gardengal and any plant lover's desire to keep a plant based solely on its total value, including how much one LIKES it. BV, you should ask yourself if your front yard is more meaningful to you as a garden space where the plants are THE important element. Or if it is more meaningful to you as a landscape space where plants are valued relative to their contribution to the overall scene. In the latter, one would nix any plant that seems to disagree with the overall objective of the space. Whereas in a garden oriented space, virtually any plant or arrangement could be permitted so long as the owner likes it.

When there is an established landscape like this, the usual recommendation is to live with it for a year. During that year, you can find out what you like, what you don't like, why you like or don't like things, and get a feel for the trade offs. The current landscape looks extremely low maintenance, which grass would not be in this setting, and you may find out that what you really want is to replace the current specimens with other specimen plants that you prefer.

What you don't want to do is to rip this all out, *then* find out that it is infinitely preferable to you than what you have chosen to replace it. Since you aren't dealing with bare dirt, there should be the luxury of taking your time.

The weeping atlas cedar is too mature and special a specimen to discard it willy nilly. I would urge you to seek out examples of them in gardens as you may find a way of incorporating it in yours. I would also ask an arborist about the feasibility of transplanting (or selling!) it. Where I live, i think it would fetch several thou...

I have nothing to add about the plan selection. But, I do suggest before you start trimming anything that you go to the library and get a book that identifies each plant you have an another on pruning the type of plants you have, not something on, say, roses, as all plants have different needs. Then go to the local garden centre and browse.