desertdance - funny but it's not a "used car lot" just happened to be they were havning a bunch of people over the day I took the pic. Typically there's only 1-2 vehicles there although I still would like to block just about everyone from sight. I really like my privacy! tibu - I'll check that tree out a bit. I'm a little nervous about it being in the weeping willow tree family which my husband is extremely opposed to. I'm pushing it to think about putting in a dwarf weeping cherry! I agree with the suggestions that I would prefer to grow the magnoila as a tree instead of a bush. One thing about that window. I'm not opposed to blocking it because it's a window to a laundry/bathroom and it would be nice to have some privacy in there. While I can put up blinds, I thought that it wouldn't be bad to block the window with a tree a bit although I would not want it fully blocked. What would be your suggestions for what I should plant in front of the double windows on the far right of the house? This is a north facing bedroom. The area of the garden there is so big that it feels like it needs a tree but I don't want it to totally block the window. I was considering something like a tina crabapple if the weeping cherry would be too big which it sounds like it would. Am I wrong to consider putting a tree here? If I don't, what would I do with all of this space? I believe it's about 19' between the house and the garden edging and it's about the same width.

Sorry, my mistake - a wrong picture.

Can't see the paving well enough to tell it's condition. I like the idea of a courtyard-like area, but have issues with how the existing walk and paving is laid out. Would keep a semi-open feel since it is the front and you probably want to keep the look "inviting" to passersby. My ideas in the plan are based on a single picture. With full knowledge of the actual space it might call for adjustments and alterations in order to develop something that works well. The second version has the railing. There are innumerable opportunities for adding detail.

Mulch can be extremely beneficial for your planting beds. But if you'd like to reduce the amount you use, you could use ground covers. They would cover the space and eliminate the need to do much mulching. You can also use gravel or decorative stones (like Mexican Beach Pebbles). Hope this helps!