Even though we haven't heard a definitive statement about the design direction you want to go, here's a stab at a layout for some basic landscaping... applying my "formula" as I have fun practicing. I'm ignoring some opportunities in favor of others. I'll let other forum members address things they think are of greater concern. It's a scheme. Nothing is immune from being tweaked or manipulated by real life concerns. Also, I don't show every plant detail that there could be; there are places where adding further details would be an enhancement to the scheme. And if I were doing this on a plan, I'm sure I would add more. There are discrepancies from one picture to the other because it's hard to draw with great precision at very small scale. Even though some plants jump out at me as likely contenders, the picture is not indicating what any specific plant is... just general form. For example, the plant under the tree with the blue flowers might be end up being Hosta. So don't take the drawing literally for every detail. It's meant to suggest a general direction and plan of attack. Also, because your original picture doesn't show what's at far left and right, I just guess and make it up and it's subject to being wrong. But it still suggests a general approach that might work with a little adapting. I'm all for a couple of street trees, but here again, I wouldn't take the placement literally. I'm mostly trying to keep them out of the way of other things in the drawing. I'm trying not to barricade or obscure the entrance. While I normally try not to place plants in front of windows, I think the distance between the windows on the porch and the multi-trunk tree in front is great enough to allow it. I think the area needs the small tree to give a sense of shelter (almost as if it was a domed awning) and to address the large blank space on the garage wall. The "ceiling" would need to be kept high to permit as much light as possible and then only plants tolerating or liking shade could grow as soon as conditions were stabile.

Sound to me like you might be better off working as a consultant for another larger or more established firm. Or perhaps specializing in work that may be less glamorous but is always in demand, such as doing cost estimating or helping to produce construction documents for another firm. Those are the sorts of work tasks in the design world that always need additional staff, and the most likely to fit in with your need to earn immediate cash. You probably also know that high end garden maintenance and fine pruning are skill sets that are also always in demand, but it doesn't sound like you have the physical capabilities to do that sort of work with whatever your health problems are. I think you know that there aren't any easy methods for generating new work, I'd suggest you work your previous client list and ask if they can give you referrals, that has always been my single best source of new work. Giving slide shows or talks for local garden clubs, local nurseries, local horticulture societies has also always brought in some immediate work for me, but they usually tend to be smaller jobs and budgets. Getting linked in with contractors or architects/interior designers who specialize in remodels or kitchen design also seems to be a good source of work, as people spending $50,000 or more on a kitchen remodel are already prequalified to be more disposed to spend money on their home, and this may transfer to the garden if your work/designs speaks to them. It doesn't hurt to be friendly with owners and staff at local nurseries to generate referrals, and I appreciate having a strong network of fellow garden designers as friends, and we throw work each other's way when possible or necessary. None of these are sure fire methods for getting new clients and immediate work, but you may not have thought of them.

To the OP (original poster): Induction cooktop: Great, much better than electric. I haven't researched the units you are considering, but for brand preference, I'd pick Gaggenau. We have a single burner 15" Gaggenau induction burner & it is awesome. GE Monogram fridge: No problem here. Dishwasher: Definitely Miele. We have 2 Excella's. The features we like best are also in the Optima, so you should be very happy with either. Ovens: As you said, this is the problem area. We have the Gaggenau combi steam oven & love it. However, I do not see any mention of availability of plumbing a water supply & drainage, which this appliance requires in addition to a dedicated 240 power circuit. This is tough unless planned for in advance of construction, & probably killer in your situation. One suggestion for using your existing oven wiring: stack a 120 Advantium wall oven over the convection oven of your choice. The 120 Advantium can function as a speed cooker, microwave, convection oven, & warming oven. We have the 240 Advantium Monogram version & love it; it cooks more quickly than a 120 but does not have convection or the warming oven features. For your full size convection oven below the Advantium, I'd recommend a single Miele MasterChef. The problem with trying to put a combination microwave & oven double unit under a steam oven is that the top appliance will be too high to safely use, and you haven't solved the power issue. Here is a link that might be useful: GE Advantium 120 wall oven

cool! You originally had said original patterns, but I can't design flowers! All my faves are crochet . . . I've only found one knit leaf I like, and its in the "Knitting on the Edge" book. ~Great way to make starting circle -- revolutionary! http://www.crochetme.com/Dec_Jan_0405/reads_round.html ~ I took the rose from this square and used it alone. Way EZ! http://hometown.aol.com/crochetalong/irpill.html http://members.optusnet.com.au/we2/leaf.html http://www.marloscrochetcorner.com/Flower%20Power%20Set.html http://members.shaw.ca/benchrist1/ These could be violets: http://www.marloscrochetcorner.com/carley%20flowers.html New ones I just came across! http://www.kreinik.com/kshop/product.php?productid=102&cat=33&page=3 http://www.headhuggers.org/patterns/adornment.htm http://www.yarncat.com/flossflower.html