Barbara, I've read your description a couple of times and cannot quite figure it out. For example, I don't understand where the east gate is, or whether there is any street approach from the east for pedestrians. I don't even get where the north gate goes... is there a fence around the house that these gates are in? If I understand the basic problem it is to get visitors (who I presume all arrive by car?) past the side entrance to the front door. For that, it seems to me that you are looking at a whole bunch of complicated and indirect ways to do what a small sign saying "Visitors please enquire at front door" would do directly and clearly. I think if I were delivering a pizza I would prefer the clarity of the sign. I'm also not clear on whether by "trellis" you mean a pass-through trellis or a blocking trellis. Curb appeal is sort of a whole other issue. I'm not sure this can be answered without a picture or two. KarinL

Low-growing native shrubs at the front, that don't have to be watered after establishment. If fire is a concern and you are going to be keeping the flanks of the drive irrigated anyway, the thirsty exotics like Japanese box can be used. Otherwise use drought-adapted shrubs like California natives or Mediterranean origin species. If you plant groupings of small numbers of different kinds it will be more interesting and less overbearing than if you flank the entry and line the drive with the same kinds throughout. Edging a long drive in particular with one kind of plant all the way is like using a hi-lighter. For an attractive effect the size and shape of the drive needs to be softened, not emphasized.

Agree with Yard- the gate area has too many signs that would be blocked. The other with the Magnolia Estates sign - cant tell if its in the median or beyond. If it is in the median with the two columns, create double spillway waterfeature using the columns and maybe pouring into large wok bowls. Also use large planters on pedestals and have cascading vines like Ipomea purple/black and other colorful contrasting tropical looking foliage or bold New Zealand flax.

I thought I would share & show what I decided to do with upstairs landing...my husband said he didn’t want table in front of return vent so I went with smaller table I’m pleased with how it turned out love my new Home Sweet Home pic, put my Mother’s old chair with her throw ( l lost my Mother in Dec. 2016 to cancer the chair is very special to me) loving the new look on my landing. One picture is looking upstairs from my front door. Thank you all for your wonderful ideas & helping me to decide what I wanted to do.