When I looked up bugbane, I thought it looked similar and does seem to be talked about in Colorado. I agree it also could be butterfly bush. What I can't tell from my pictures is what the leaves look like and what the flowers look like close up. I agree, I need to just pull over and ask them what it is ... the next time I see them outside. Hopefully they know what it is, I suspect they do, since its so unique (at least unique in my my neighborhood).

The trees do create a mostly shaded area. They are oak, hickory, dogwood, and some others that I can't name because I am not a good tree identifier. The area in front of my house(grassier part) is mostly sun, with the area right next to it (defined by the stone path) is only part-sun. I'm glad to hear that other people have a "mixture" of yard types, because I am really trying to figure out my style. I have new perennials and annuals to plant this weekend so that should add some new life to the area. Thanks for your reply. Delana

How would you describe your style? Some people combine styles, such as old world, craftsman, cottage....or modern, coastal, cabin. If that doesn't work, think about what you really love in a home. Do you want built-ins? Do you love the look of window seats with shelves on both sides or fireplace with cabinets below the windows on each side. Do you like everything balanced or quirky? Or maybe very clean lined? Here's an idea...do you want a fireplace? If you do...would it have bookcases on each side? Windows on each side? Bookcase on one side...with window on the other? No bookcases or windows, but just the fireplace on a wall with artwork? No fireplace and just a huge TV and DVD storage? After you figure out your 'style' you still have to make some compromises to get the technology of the 21st century to fit (depending on whether you have modern or old-world tastes). Whatever you like, think about the light, the views, the way rooms will open to each other, as you plan. It might be a good idea to go to the library and look through "The Not So Big House" and other books, to see how they use the views through rooms, as well as the way spaces relate to each other. All these things will help you 'see' the house in your head, then on paper, then in real life. Hopefully your image is what you end up with...or maybe even better :)

outsideplaying, I really like the bench idea. I was contemplating something like that. Thanks so much for the advice on the planters with height. I never would have thought of that. What about the stairs - Should there be anything at the top of the stairs (on either side) and/or the bottom? Tibbrix - Thanks for the ideas! I too like the grass idea. Out landscaper is coming back up hopefully this fall to help us figure out the rest of the plants around our home and he had mentioned something like that, or a bush. Our original rock plan for in front of those steps was supposed to look like this. We had to hire a local landscaper to do the rockwork and he didnt follow the plan so we are stuck with that big mass of rock in front. I just put a bunch of plants in because they were going to die. I did put a bush that should get some decent height to the right of the steps (under the window) to kind of hide that hole there. I'm seriously contemplating just redoing it all and having my husband do the rock the way it was meant to be done. Ugh! I just need one of you guys to come here for a couple months and help me figure all of this out. I am so overwhelmed!