Can you provide some pictures from further back, pictures that show the placement of your other trees and maybe also the garage? For the chain link, i think they make very nice trellis for evergreen vines.

I am about half way through a renovation and need ideas on what to do on front of house. I feel like there is a void and need to fill it in. Was thinking about a large boxwood between the from door and the windows. Other ideas I had would be to build a pergola but not sure I want to spend a ton of money right now on that. Any ideas are welcome!

Thanks for comments emmarene. My husband and I are clueless when it comes to landscaping. i'm curious why you say the sand cherries a poor choice? What type of perennials/shrubs do you suggest instead?

I think you have a very charming house! Love the cedar! Wouldn't change a thing. If this was my house I would try to repair the cedar if that's what the problem is. Trying to give this house a farmhouse look would be a mistake since the architecture is not farmhouse. If you are looking for drama, perhaps you could paint all the white trim charcoal including the garage door. Before you make any design decisions on your house, you should first tackle the landscaping. I think what's making you indecisive is the stone wall. I find it very curious. Why is it there? The wall on both sides seems to encroach on your driveway making it narrower than it needs to be. And there is no real sidewalk, just the driveway. I am a really big fan of stone walls but this one doesn't make sense. So I think I would get rid of it. From there I would definitely add a wide walkway leading to your front door, add a couple big trees with gardens below, add grass and when funds become available, add a few really BIG rocks in a grouping. Plant one of the trees so that you have shade for your patio area. As for what to plant, get advice from a local nursery. Often they will draw up a landscaping plan for your yard at not cost if you buy the plants and trees from them. After you have your landscaping figured out, then decide what you want to do with the house. Like I said, I think it's very cool and painting the trim charcoal would make it cooler. Also consider painting your front door a colour other than brown, white or charcoal. Almost any colour would work.