I'm not in Z3 but I do know that the amount of snow cover can make a big difference in where you can grow some plants. For example, with adequate snow cover to provide extra insulation against repeated freeze/thaw cycles which cause heaving you can grow a lot of plants in a raised bed (or even overwinter in pots) that you couldn't otherwise. So part of this will depend on what your normal winter snow cover is.

Looks like garage is on left over by the bush. Couple of things would help to know, is the outside wall(1 away from house) on the property line or very close to property line. That would make a lot of difference what you could do. Can you strip paint off wall where brick is painted(might need sandblasting)? I was thinking you might put in a covered carport in that area if you have room to put in necessary supports. It's mostly a roof covering the area then wouldn't be so tight a space to drive through unless existing garage is on property line. Might be nice shady area for kids to play or to sit & talk when not needed as a driveway. In a heavy snow area might make things better or worse having garage gone. Plenty of storage in 2 car garage so you don't need the 1 car garage? Those are questions i would ask myself if it was my place. Hope this helps!

Couple of quick things...don't make the bed right up against the fence - with a bed 3ft wide you will need room on the fence side to reach into the bed. Leave about 3ft between the bed and fence (4ft if you can), enuff room for your legs from the knee to an extended foot (and more) so you can kneel down. The peat has no nutrients so you can leave that out of the mix. I don't think Home Depot does this anymore but I made lots of beds when they sold 'cull wood'. It was bent, warped, chipped, or had some other defect but was fine for the garden. They always cut it to 4ft lengths and the price varied from $.51, $1.01, $2.01, etc. I got most for $.51 or $1.01 Some were treated some not - some 2x some 1 or 3/4". The 2x will last longer. I have some untreated 2x beds 10y/o. I just placed the 4x4 frame on the ground, no corner post needed - they haven't gone anywhere yet either. IMO the SqFt method is the way-to-go.

Usually, I don’t comment too much in regards to others posts but I have a couple of things that I disagree with from above posts. Your house is traditional not contemporary. Vines are a bad idea and messy for next to the garage area. Keep the entry clean and simple with as suggested earlier....seasonal wreaths and pots that match and attractive. As in the above photo you can see that if you plant shrubs next to the garage keep them small and simple not intruding on the walkway. Seriously check out the roots on the tree to make sure they will not damage plumbing. If not then consider planting things like caladiums or begonias underneath in a simple bed. Your lot is not giant so don’t overcrowd but do add some nice small shrubs and plantings. Look at Home Town redos to see how they complimented the houses or Joanna Gaines makeovers. i seriously planted my last house out front but we lived on a hill of 7 levels almost an acre difficult to mow so we removed grass and planted gardens with a walkway because the house was bland and the front porch was its charm Plus a brick wall 10 feet high And it had to be deerproof. I still love my last yard and what we created but our ages won out so we have a more simple yard now. I will always miss my past two yards which we’re completely different but kept me interested and challenged me. This may be your starter home or forever home but stay true to the character of the house and simply give it a nice dress to put on. Think four seasons so that 6 months out of the yard there won’t be an empty yard with no interest. I still like small compact nandinas for the pop of color in winter and they are noninvasive like the taller variety and are a lovely shade of rich green when fertilized in warm weather. your area is hot and humid. When you are able go to the botanical garden in Dallas and check out the gardens For ideas. Try to enjoy your effort and not an “it will do“ philosophy.....remember, this is your home. Create something to be proud of. Signing off.......