It's hard to vision what to plant without the stone wall and other hardscapes in place. The only advice I have would be to make sure that in addition to planting the evergreens, make sure that you have a bushes doing something different in all seasons - some Spring and Fall color in there. The summer will be where your perinnials get in the action. I would definitely do a curved path of pavers (maybe in a warm dark brownish red tone)going to the driveway and then put spots of raised beds on either side - low growers facing the road and somewhat higher plants on the side with the house - but that is my idea without seeing all the hardscapes in. Whatever you do, it's going to be great. How exciting to start with an open canvass. We moved here three years ago and I am still trying to undo some of the previous owners mistakes - why would anyone plant a bush smack dab in the middle of the backyard??? ha ha

hermustangs, if you'll read the "new to GW" thread below on this page (or if it's left this page by the time you read this, search for it) you'll find explicit instructions on how to post photos; very easy to do. I think you'll get many more responses if you include photos. I'm not good enough with colors personally to try to answer your questions without seeing the rooms. Good luck!

I would also spray paint the star a rusty red so it will show more. It really doesn't stand out on the brick in it's current color which looks more copper in the picture. (the copper is pretty but you need red there) I would also consider opening the bed up in front of the stairs to add flowers as well. The house is beautiful, but the landscape is what's lacking. I would actually post a thread in the landscape forum to get some ideas of how you can build the landscape up a little. Put a plan together and just do a little bit every season..

You have to start with the stone and the roof before you even pick up a single paint chip. They will both inform all of your color choices going forward. White windows will make it more challenging to pull off the look you're going for. Sometimes there simply isn't enough budget for a color other than white. If, however, you have any wiggle room at all, the windows would be a worthwhile investment = value now, and at resale.