Here is a basic approach you could take: a multi-trunk small tree (to create a fan-shape branch pattern against the blank space) in a semicircular bed of groundcover that extends to the house, with a single dome-shaped shrub below each window, and a bed of daylilies around the porch. (A mixed color bed of them could bloom for a few weeks. Stella d'Oro along the leading edge could extend the bloom for a long time. You could decide how to detail it and what plants could make it happen. Obviously, the tree is the most significant element so should be high up in the budget since your time frame is only three years. Improving the complexion of the lawn will definitely make the whole picture look better. (It's a key element.) Added in edit: Oh yeah ... you think a "cottage" garden" is not overly customized? I view that style as many times being in direct opposition to the basic goals of landscaping. I'm not saying it can't be made compatible to some degree, but doing so is not exactly a simple, cut & dried exercise. It's much more complex. A cottage garden is usually the result of a plant lover's (& hoarder's) passion for plants, not their desire enhance the home in the most effective way possible. And what percentage of house buyers are looking to buy and take care of such a garden? It would be only a very few out of 100 people. For the purpose of resale, stick with the basic uncluttered, problem-solving approach. This post was edited by Yardvaark on Sun, Aug 10, 14 at 12:52

A few circumstances that could aid your plight are whether you are on a busy street or not, whether you have room to contruct a turnaround (ie, hammerhead), and how far back from the road the inside edge of the circle is from the road. You could certainly have more leverage in claiming hardship if backing out is a safety hazard and you have no alternative method of turning the car around. Most zoning by-laws have a definition section (sometimes they are hard to find). Many zoning by-laws can now be downloaded from municipal websites in pdf form. These are easily searchable, if that helps. I have seen "driveway" defined as an "The travelway for vehicles between the access and the garage or parking area" (this would not be good for you), but I've also seen it defined as a "travel way" (which would be good). Zoning boards have a lot of descretion that is backed up in court. It is very difficult to overturn their descretion when applying their interpretation of an unclear definition unless they have not applied the definition consistantly. If the definition is not written or not written clearly, your interpretation of it is no more valid than theirs, so you will not stand much of a chance of overturning it. I would suggest that you try to force them into writing a clear definition as early as possible in order for them to have to commit to it. This would open the door for alternatives that do not go outside of their definition. If you proposed something that fits the definitionm it would have to be accepted or it would be much more easily appealed.

For rustling leaves the best is aspen. Root barrier would have to be installed to keep it from growing where not wanted, and some bacterial blackening of leaves may be seen - as with other plant problems, this varies between sites from rather nasty to pretty much absent. And the crown shape would be right. It can grow tall but is not a chunky tree with heavy, broad branches. Otherwise you could try French pink pussy willow. No rustling leaves effect but you get fragrant catkins in winter and the crown shape is right. Both trees grow on damp ground and have been prevalent at local outlets in the recent past. This area is part of the very large natural range of aspen, bona fide native patches here seem to be mostly confined to bogs and similar locations.

Not sure if a new roof is in your budget but in that pic your shingles are looking like they are soon done. I'd re roof with shingles in a medium or light brown colour, not gray. Paint the shutters to coordinate with the brick around them. On my screen they look too dark brown for the brick that seems to have red tones. Agree with painting the front door too. What's up with the patchy grass? Is it the time of year where you are? (Haven't seen grass here for months!) I like the existing lights at the front door. I'd leave them. Id add some colour to your planting when the time is right. Also maybe some hostas or something? good luck! It's a nice house.