Ok I think i fixed the pics by deleting them and re-uploading them! :) I agree about the wall. In the back we have a giant slope that has about 3 levels all with these rocks that were used in the front. We are going to dig that out and level the yard and build a new retaining wall in the back. when we do that, we will take the rocks from the back and rebuild the front wall. its been there since the 50's and im sure has never had any work done to it. when we bought the house it was condemned so it was a complete overhaul. aside from the wall, any advice on what and where to plant to give us a nice look in relation to the 1 level house and offer some privacy? thank you for your reply.

Call me crazy, but I like the round shape there, and it looks like you have plenty of lawn. Here's one idea: Replace the lower deck portion bringing it in line with the retaining wall so that it slightly juts into the circle. Replace the existing lower steps with ones that are wider, so that the steps repeat the theme of the upper ones but are off to the side a bit. Extend the pavers from the basement door into the circle. Then semi-enclose the circle with raised planters of bedding plants and seats, and put a fire pit in the center.

Pygmy date palms have large spines along the base of their fronds. Just so you know. They are nice looking palms, though. You may have to take what is available at the nurseries, but a few palm suggestions are Livistona australis, Livistona decora, Allagoptera arenaria, Dypsis decaryi, and many Coccothrinax species. All of these have been seen to tolerate desert heat, and have trunks that are somewhat slender. The Allagoptera arenaria is the shortest of them, and grows in sand along the beaches in Brazil. Coccothrinax are from Cuba and have stiff, round deeply divided fans, which might be a really nice look with your modern design.

Hi Karina, It looks like your garden area has lots of potential. I'd look through images of gardens online so that you start to get clarity about your own sense of style, what you like and dislike. Also, make a list of goals for the garden (eg : play space for the kids, grilling area, dining / entertaining area, herb/vegetable garden. or whatever makes sense for you). Knowing what you want to be able to do in the garden, as well as what is beautiful to you, is a good start. Then measure the garden and make a basic plan of its shape, and include the house and the placement of windows and doors (measure their location). See if you have an outdoor GFI electrical outlet, and a hose bib or faucet---if you use low voltage landscape lighting and an irrigation system, you will need these. (You will want the irrigation outlet to be continuous, that is, you won't want it on a switch because you don't want anyone to turn the irrigation off). I can't tell what part of the country you are in? But from the photos, a few thoughts: - it looks like you may get a lot of sun, and so if you're in the right zone, a fragrant garden would do well: lavender, rosemary, butterfly bush, monarda. rose, perhaps lilac, plants like that. Or are you in California? I can't tell, but plants that make sense in your area; you can discuss with your local plants nursery. You'll want to choose either an angular, geometric garden or organic, curvy shapes for the layout. From what I can see of the photos, one design I would try out would be : formal vegetable and herb and fruit garden in the sunny area near the house (if it gets full sun), with gravel walks. Also, flower beds. A terrace with shade of some kind (sail cloth, or umbrella, or pergola). Then I'd make a small woodland where there are tall fences, this may be along the side of the house where the pool is, it's hard to tell in the photos. There could be seating in a few areas: a bench in the herb garden or a chair & ottoman there (eg adirondack chair, nothing fancy); dining table or deeper seating with a dining-coffee table on the terrace, for say 6-10 people if that makes sense for your lifestyle; and then a bench or a couple of chairs in the "woods" area. You could also incorporate a small oval or rectangle of grass for play space. Good luck with your design process. I think you might find helpful hints on how to approach designing your own garden on gardenista.com