But what about the rest of the lawn? And lower plantings may appeal, but a few larger ones (well maintained) will keep the front of the house from looking forlorn.

Denita, I was just coming back to link some window articles from that website. Really good resource. In addition to great articles on windows, he writes about oft-overlooked aspects of older houses like porch skirts (and now I can't unsee that my house is the only one on the block with its original porch skirt). I'm so glad I'm not the only one proselytizing the virtues of keeping the original windows - sometimes I feel like a crazy Luddite because seemingly everyone else has been caught up by the "energy efficiency" promise of modern windows. But if you think about it, what are you really accomplishing? The new windows typically cost more than what you'll save in energy spending over their limited lifetime, they're made out of petrochemcials and lots of energy is used to manufacture and transport them. I talked to my local wood window guy and asked about doing double panes for the new windows we need for our house (to replace the vinyl ones), and he actually recommended against it - the double pane seal has a shelf life and WILL fail after a couple decades and are way more expensive for them to build than the plain old fashioned single pane windows (which will last a century with regular maintenance), so they won't pay for themselves. Better to do storm panes.

If I was working on a small budget I would go to a plant nursery when they aren't busy, early on a weekday I guess, I'd take a picture or some pictures of my yard, and a chart of the sun. By the sun I mean a chart where the sun hits or doesn't hit the spaces you want to plant, the different areas of your yard. I'd ask if they have someone to help you, preferably a landscape architect, and you'll probably have some great help. You'll have to be very clear that you are doing the work yourself rather than hiring it done. Don't go to a big box store but to a local plant nursery. However, my local nursery is very busy this time of year, so you may have a terrible time with finding someone to help you right now. Your home is very pretty and good luck with finding someone to help you. There are many garden tours this time of year so you may be able to find what you like on a garden tour. Atlanta Botanical Gardens has a tour Mother's Day Weekend I think. A local garden tour would be great too. I'd ask about one in Decatur, or somewhere like that. Good luck.

What a cute little bungalow! The biggest impact will be removing or cutting WAY down on the bushes! They are hiding all that brick! Next, I think green or blue always look good with red brick. If you REALLY want a like green door, then maybe you could paint the trim lime too and the siding a cream color.