Nice house with potential. It's been added onto at least once, looks like twice. Are the kitchen and bath in the newest parts? Second the idea of retaining the trees for awhile, thinking you may keep them, because they 'are' period authentic. I live in an 1820s federal and there was also a very tall one directly in front of our bedroom window, past the second story. In it sat mockingbirds the first night I slept in this house. Since this house has been around so long, all the other oldsters in our rural area have memories about it, and many have shared, including pictures. There in one picture of a Civil war soldier about to leave for battle, was the tree. And several others still standing on our property. It finally came down in a storm a couple years ago, and I felt like a piece of history went with it.

Striking! That is the first word I thought of. I think you should just ride in there on your bike. No, not really, that wouldn't be COOL. Sue

I do think and rethink and reorganize and replant.... But the thing that made me laugh was your "with the world going to hell in a hand basket".... That's exactly why my gardens look so good this year, it's the only thing that I can control in these crazy times....

Thank you, @Jilly. There are several planned developments with ornamental grass along the streets. I need to find out what variety it is because I would like some on the front yard. Maybe the purple would be okay in the ground. I did meet a better salesperson at the garden shop last trip, so I will look for him again. Our biggest project for the house has been a carport addition over the guest parking area. I showed two photos to the framer and said "make it look like it's always been here." Then he sent me a CAD drawing and BAM! Carport! Has a storage room (because the dang garage is small and we are not going to park outside) and room for DH's smancy street legal vehicle and a guest. DD2 was happy not to park in the sun when they were here for Thanksgiving. We also took down the the signs the previous owners left on the directional pole, cut replacements for the ones they took and then I painted and personalized - all 16 of them. Currently making two more DH wanted to add. Kaya, those petunias are crazy beautiful!