The only thing I can think of that would help this area, is to come out about 10 or so feet beyond the down spout, and put in a large bush. With the bush, it would block the view the between the house area. This would not prevent access to the gate as the path would then be around the house, behind the bush and back to the gate. The distance to move the bush out would depend on what you are moving through the gate, but 10' seems like it would accommodate anything that would pass through the gater.

I highly recommend joining your local FB garden group. Neighbors are always dividing plants and happy to share. In the meantime, walk around your neighborhood and see what plants are doing well, observe the growing conditions for similar to yours, chat up the neighbors. I’m always sharing my plants and letting my neighbors know what’s doing well in their conditions and locations (plus commiserations on the bunny and squirrel destruction!). And check out the everything is free section for sidewalk materials- I got some bluestone pavers a few years ago for free and over time installed them in my side yard path. Saved me a load of $$$.

Cecily, I have considered something like boxwoods as a backdrop closest to the porch. I am trying to see what would be best for a cottage-look. Boxwoods look a little too manicured for my taste, so I hope to find something that adds a nice winter back drop but fits in with the aesthetic, if that makes sense. Thanks so much for the tip!

deb - I agree. Start with trees and include one or two that bloom. The rest of the landscaping can be done in stages - a good nursery can draw up a plan taking the stages into account. Maybe a couple of large pots with flowers on either side of the garage door and the right side of front door. A really nice statement light to the right of the front door and maybe smaller matching ones on either side of garage. Shutters have to go or at least be replaced with the proper size. I personally would paint the brick - I grew up in a saltbox style house in the Chicago area with painted brick which is almost 100 years old and has always been painted without problems. I also lived in a house in New Orleans which had painted brick for at least 30 years, again with no problems. Don't discount the idea. Clearly, the front door needs to be replaced or at least painted in an accent color. Paint the downspouts to match the house, not contrast - please!