You don't have a problem yard, you have a problem tree. The wooden porch thingy was probably perfectly well built to begin with but the tree's roots have lifted and broken it. Same with the landscape ties beside it. It's coming for your house foundation next if it isn't already doing some damage. Good thing it's your tree and your house that's closest, because if that were not the case there would be some potential liability issues here - all you've damaged of your neighbours' is the retaining wall, which will be easily rebuilt once the tree is gone. See the slope of your front yard in the second picture? That's all tree root effect. The very cute cobblestone walls are simply at the end of their lifespan, which has been shortened by trying to hold the front yard together under pressure from the tree roots. But news flash: this is not a rock wall, it's a concrete retaining wall decorated with rocks. So when you go looking for a book on how to build retaining walls, follow the directions for concrete, not dry-stack stone. A slope is not problematic in and of itself, in fact it is a huge feature if you design that way. You could, for example, make your vegetable beds there, a series of raised beds going up the hill like steps, with actual steps beside and between them for you to go up to tend them. And no, the east side of the house is no place for tomatoes, they need full sun. What you have here is a charming little house on a great lot where the landscape installation is simply at the end of its useful life. What needs to happen here is the setting of priorities and the making of decisions. If the structural integrity of your house is important, the tree should be taken down pronto, and then you have some hardscape rebuilding to do: steps, walls, vegetable beds; whatever your vision for the place dictates. If you are at a bit of a loss, some reading through the landscaping section at the library is always a good first step. KarinL

We really appreciate you all taking the time to send your suggestions our way!! Many ideas we haven't thought of but are definitely considering. I love the idea of replacing the cedar planks with siding and eliminating the side slope of the roof by adding siding! We agreed that many parts of this house are dated and were unsure as to how to update this 1970's gem!! Removing the hedges is a definite and happening today! Yay! Repainting the front door for the time being is on th list as well!! We want to tackle the pavers first and are having a difficult time choosing the paver color. Beverly... Chicago brick pavers were on the list and we also considered charcoal or trimming the chicago brick with charcoal. Would love suggestions on color !?!?!? Also, we live in Florida... Not sure if that makes a difference.

I would start with the patio. You may find that you won't want a deck at all. Plus, a deck would block natural light on the first floor. I think that your patio has a lot of potential.

Congratulations on your new house! It's cute, and having that large tree for shade is a real bonus. I agree with Christopher's comments about using small trees (or large shrubs limbed up to tree form) to provide privacy in particular spots such as the deck area rather than a tall wall of green along the road. A lower hedge or fence will help create a personal space to keep the neighbor's dog out. Plants close to where you want particular privacy work as well as those farther away and may make for a more attractive yard. In areas with snow that needs to be plowed (along with road salt considerations) you will want any shrubs or fence along the road set back far enough so as to not be damaged by heavy snow curling off a plow blade. So I would talk to the neighbors and find out if plowing ever happens on your road. (Doug obviously lives in a warm zone.) :>) In my area I can't plant closer than about 6' to the road, but I imagine that you get somewhat less. It is possible to plant salt-tolerant perennials, which will be underground when any plowing happens, in the area outside the fence. I also notice that the current flower beds by the house are really skinny. I would make them at least 5' deep (mine are mostly deeper than that) and I would get rid of all the rocks which are a hassle to mow and weed around. Advertise the rocks for free on Craigslist and you won't have to figure out how to move them. Edge the beds with a clean cut or a mowing strip of bricks combined with a buried metal or plastic edge to keep out grass. Or remove the bed all together and have grass up to the house except for the right side with the high window where a flowering shrub would be nice. I like 12 Gardens suggestion for framing the deck with either taller in-ground plantings or containers since I would worry about someone stepping off the edge who wasn't paying attention. And the suggestion to make the garage a garden focal point is excellent! As s/he suggested, before making a plan, figure out what you want to do with your yard and where best to put things to suit both the activities (veggies in shade doesn't work) and the space. Don't forget to consider winter appeal both from inside the house and outside.