The front of my house is plain. I need suggestions!

Samantha
by Samantha
Aside from transplanting a huge tree in the front yard, I need to do something. It's incredibly plain and the previous owner left a "ridge." Any suggestions would be fantastic.
  64 answers
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Jul 08, 2014
    You could take advantage of that ridge by extending it to the driveway and turning that area into a lovely planted bed. With the right plants your house would be plain no longer, and you'd give yourself some privacy from the street. I'm not sure what that tree is, but if you're contemplating moving it, late fall is probably the best time for it to have a shot at surviving the transplant.
    • Samantha Samantha on Jul 08, 2014
      @Douglas Hunt Thank you! I was thinking about doing that too. Just thought I'd ask around. : )
  • Georgia Garrett Georgia Garrett on Jul 08, 2014
    I like Douglas' idea. It takes time and patience but that could be a lovely perennial bed. Until the perennials take over you could use annuals for color. I would start at the back and plant early bloomers, then plant something that would come up and cover the spent early bloomers. Using that technique you would have something blooming all summer. I can't recommend the plants because I don't live in Texas but there should be books about Texas gardening.
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Jul 08, 2014
    Sometimes plain can be nice. Find out first what caused that ridge in your yard. It could be some sort of utility that should not be disturbed...??? Or it could be as simple as the builder buried construction trash and decomposition is causing the soil to sink. Keep in mind that anything you put in requires care. Plant only that which you can manage with your schedule. Running kids with no time to water? One way to get color is to get large beautiful pots and plant with a miniature shrub and pretty plants. Start with one at the left corner of the garage, the alcove at right of garage and one at each side of the steps. Live with that for a while and see how it fits into your schedule. (I would move that large bush out front...maybe to the back or side of the house.)
  • Beverly Turcotte Beverly Turcotte on Jul 08, 2014
    I would plant colorful bushes. Also the soffet area aroud the house and change the color of your garage door to match. Colored stone around flowerbeds adds color. The vent over your garage could be painted the same as soffet and garage, or a pop of a different color. HGTV has awesome do-overs. You can check on line under there web-site ! Good Luck !
  • Therese C Therese C on Jul 08, 2014
    I would move the tree to the corner of the lawn near the driveway. Use the ridge to your advantage with hillside flower boxes, share some plants along the drive and paint the trim a darker shade of grey. Just my idea and opinion.
    • See 3 previous
    • Therese C Therese C on Jul 09, 2014
      Douglas Hunt is right! They are worth quite a lot of money. You could use the profits to do the other plants and probably the paint and a few more little things as well. Best of luck! (If you sell it, the people would hire someone professional to move it, thus not leaving you a mess)
  • April Graves April Graves on Jul 08, 2014
    For just the price of paint, you could paint the garage door and front door in a coordinating color. I would go with a darker color since your house is such a light color stone/brick. Maybe navy blue? Also the flower bed is a great idea. Red flowers have the best curb appeal, and bulbs come back every year.
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Jul 08, 2014
    I'd move the bush to the left of the garage and maybe add a tree behind it to balance the pillar on the right of the house. And utilize the ridge to do landscaping - not just flowers but low growing shrubs, grasses, so there are dif heights, colours, textures, etc. with a big rock or two. Can you do a faux treatment on one row of squares right below the arched windows on the garage? This would add visual interest and reduce the very large expanse of plain grey.
  • Valerie Valerie on Jul 08, 2014
    I would definitely paint the garage and front door like April suggested. Also, don't forget the circled vent above the garage door. I would put the decorative carriage handles on the door. I just did it to my garage doors and it looks so much better. As far as flowers, I think the red geraniums would look the best. A real nice potted flower urn would look nice on the corner of the entrance. Maybe some hanging plants between in the open area at the door. A bush or tall lattice to hide the trash cans on the side of the garage. Good Luck!
  • Samantha Samantha on Jul 08, 2014
    Thank you, everyone!!!
  • Shari Shari on Jul 08, 2014
    I saw a similar house with a pergola about a foot deep right above the garage door. Then vines were planted on each side, trained up and across horizontally. Beautiful home, good luck.
    • Samantha Samantha on Jul 08, 2014
      Thank you! You guys are giving me lots of great suggestions!
  • Terri W Terri W on Jul 09, 2014
    Great ideas, but as a Master Gardener, I must Disagree with stone around your plantings. Mulch will feed the soil and plants as it breaks down, as well as creating a moist organic weed free environment, with your garden requiring less watering as time goes on... the Stone creates too much work as well, with basically no true benefit. If you do want to incorporate rocks into your landscape, do so as a dry riverbed at the base of that downspout on that ridge, with plantings on either side...This will add visual interest, as well as a function in preventing erosion in heavy downpours...Perennials would be great around that big bush (which I would trim back or get rid of-too big) and on both sides of the sidewalk...
  • Melissa Parish Melissa Parish on Jul 09, 2014
    Samantha, that house looks just like the KB home we had in San Antonio, lol. We made a large corner planter by the driveway and sidewalk on the house side, also planted some crepe myrtles. It looked good. You could plant some crepe myrtles in the planter Douglas suggested.
  • Jim L Jim L on Jul 09, 2014
    Is it in your budget to move the walkway from the driveway to the house? I would make it into an "S" shape to have it meet the driveway farther from the house. Then in the area between the walk and the house after selling the palm, you could have one fantastic flower bed! The idea of using the "ridge" for plants is excellent. Your house looks great with the muted colors...I would not "chop it up" with a little dab of color here and there. You have an almost empty canvas to work with...enjoy and show us photos of the "after".
  • Judy D Judy D on Jul 09, 2014
    Like others have said, the bush in front needs to go somewhere else. The scale is too overwhelming for the front of the house. Also, at present, the front entry is basically nonexistent to the curb appeal. Use eye catching plantings to emphasize it and continue with plantings towards the garage. The garage door stands out and perhaps should be less important. Paint trim to make more impact and down play the garage door. Paint the front door a fun contemporary color. Perhaps a strong yellow, aqua or Purple.
  • Mary Mary on Jul 09, 2014
    You could install stacking block or rock that compliments your house to make the ridge a raised bed effect adding interest. I would move the tree under the window because it is too big for that area and blocks the window. It would be fun to turn the area where the tree is to a planting area with smaller bushes and flowers mixing textures and colors to make entry focus. On the far right of raised area a tree would be nice. The raised area could be planted or left in grass. Columns on each side of the driveway out of blocks or rocks used in raised bed would be nice with plants in a small area included. Outdoor lighting would be great also. I know it sounds expensive but could be done over time, just depends how extensive you want to tackle. As far as house colors the front door needs to be the focus. The rest of the house should compliment that. Good luck and have fun creating whatever you decide to do.
    • Mary Mary on Jul 09, 2014
      I forgot to add that a bench next to tree planted on raised area would help balance side of house entry is.
  • Susan McKnight-Balus Susan McKnight-Balus on Jul 09, 2014
    I would paint the door red to give it pop and also do the trimming of the house in a bold possibly same red color. Colorful flowers in the front for sure and yes, move the bush. Too much for the front of the house.
  • Bs.dennis Bs.dennis on Jul 09, 2014
    Trim the bush so you can see your full window. Paint the front door an inviting color and plant some flowers :o) Beautiful home
  • Beckwith Campbell Beckwith Campbell on Jul 09, 2014
    Do not trim the bush...get rid of it! A bush should NEVER cover or obstruct any window. Paint the front door and then paint the garage door (they do not have to match in color) and add inexpensive hardware to make it look like a carriage door...search on Pinterest or Google for inspiration for that! Those very few and inexpensive changes will make a world of difference. I would then consider removing all the grass between the sidewalk and house, add compost soil (sometimes free in bulk from your waste management) add mulch (NO colored, just cedar or hard wood) and then start adding low lying perennial plants...variegated lirope in clumps along the walkway will soften it a bit. If you don't want that much flower bed maintenance, add a small flagstone sitting area in the left-center of it, and add flowering pots.
  • Janelle Williams Janelle Williams on Jul 09, 2014
    Large rocks, graduating smaller to larger along the ridge would look nice!
  • Bibi Sweet67 Bibi Sweet67 on Jul 09, 2014
    I would paint garage door and front door. Also move or get rid of the bush is covering your window and add beautiful and colorful flowers.
  • Julie B Julie B on Jul 09, 2014
    I would move the bush up into the front yard. Plant some low growing plants where the bush was. That's it.
  • Samantha Samantha on Jul 09, 2014
    Thank you everyone. Looks like I definitely have to get rid of that Sago Palm. It's just HUGE. So it's going to take some work.
    • See 1 previous
    • Samantha Samantha on Jul 10, 2014
      @Douglas Hunt Thank you! I hadn't even thought of that. It's a beautiful palm. But you guys are right, it doesn't belong in front of this house.
  • Mickey Pesola Mickey Pesola on Jul 09, 2014
    I would have a blast with this!!!! That bush has got to go!! I agree with Beatrice that you need to paint the front door and the garage door. I would research plants before you you do anything. You will be able to give this some character!!
  • Rita H Rita H on Jul 09, 2014
    I remove the large overgrown bush. Put in a few "stay small" kind of shrubs. Older big bushes like you have dates a house. Perhaps a lawn ornament might be nice centered under the window. Nothing too big.
  • Mandy Loriot Mandy Loriot on Jul 09, 2014
    Ditch the bush. Determine the hours of direct sunlight up close to the house, and pick plants according to that. You need tall thinner things to down the corners of the house, fill plants, and ground cover plants. It depends on your style. With that ridge, it adds a level of dimension do figure out a way to use it.
    • Mandy Loriot Mandy Loriot on Jul 09, 2014
      Oh, and do some accent painting on your door, the garage door and that trim, but make the door pop. If you want to do more, doll up that driveway with some plants.
  • Joffler Joffler on Jul 09, 2014
    Part of the problem is this house design gives all the visual prominence to the garage door and the window adjacent to it by jutting them out a little and building gables over them. The entry way is kinda shoved off to the side, receded, and the roof over it is minimized. At least from this view, since you seem to be on a corner lot. It would take an architect and lots of money to change all that. Regardless, you have a beautiful and expansive lawn and the ridge/bump/berm (whatever that is) can be incorporated into your landscape to advantage (perhaps greens further from the entry and colorful perennials and annual going toward the entry porch or some hardscaping that can achieve this too). If you have funds (or budget for it and do it a little at a time) and if the HOA allows/approves, plan on painting the brick. Ideally, all of it, but budget consciously, perhaps just the entryway and garage door. For the garage door, select a color that is much less prominent thant he existing brick by minimizing the contrast. And then go with a contrasting but complementary color to the entryway and door so it visually stands out. Landscape your yard so it visually draws the eye to the entry way. It should be achievable since you seem to be on a corner lot. You can hire a landscape architect to consult for an hour or two on property so you'll have a good plan to achieve this if you so desire. That sago palm really ought not to be in front of the window. It would serve you better closer to the curb and on the lower elevation of the property. Where it is now, it's actually competing almost neck-and-neck with the garage door for attention. Your plantings should complement and enhance your structure, not overtake it. In short, minimize the garage door and the gables, move (or eliminate) the sago palm and highlight the entry with color and landscaping.
  • Linda B Linda B on Jul 09, 2014
    I would paint the doors a deep burgundy or deep mauve - but nothing brighter. Too bright cheapens the look of your home. Is the bush one you can prune back to about half the size? Even if you prune it, it needs to be moved away from the window. I would move the bush to the center front of the ridge, or even right BELOW the center front edge of the ridge. Then plant dwarf bushes on both sides of the large bush in the center. Only plant either on, or in front of the ridge. Don't go into the rest of the yard in that area. Only outline the ridge. Plant different shades of greens for the smaller bushes. Dwarf or medium size would be best because you have a one-story house and don't want the bushes to cover too much of your house. Different shades, textures, and sizes will give more character. Plant them just far enough apart that they won't grow into each other. Plant according to how far they will spread. I have an area like this and it can be beautiful. I even have a couple bushes that turn gold or red in the fall, or flowering bushes, among my bushes. I don't like to prune things so I like the dwarf or medium size because they don't need much care. I have also planted a beautiful Coral Rose bush among them, and in a corner I planted Coral Rose bushes that are a ground cover rose. Yours can be a fun and creative project! Enjoy :-)
  • Tresia Biagi Tresia Biagi on Jul 09, 2014
    start by removing the patch of plant thats blocking the window
  • Shanna Meczywor Shanna Meczywor on Jul 09, 2014
    In addition to painting the garage door, front door & trim, I would consider staining the concrete driveway in a compliment color.
  • Rita H Rita H on Jul 09, 2014
    Take out the bush, put in a few stay small shrubs. Then make it pop with some bright colored flowers, or a mixture of color. Reds, pinks etc. Wow, that would make a big difference.
  • Robert D Robert D on Jul 09, 2014
    Start by removing the large shrub, and putting the garbage container inside the wooden fence. The problem with the house is the garage is the focal point. Consult with a landscaper on ways to plant shrubs/flowers in front of the large window and front door all the way out to the walkway, and also in front of the walkway to eliminate the ridge. This will change the focal point to the front door. After this is done, choose colors to highlight the front door, and de-emphasize the garage door.
  • Slr271991 Slr271991 on Jul 09, 2014
    I'd take out the big bush by your window and plant different variegated hostas. They not only are pretty, the also suck up the water by your foundation keeping your basement dry. Color would help. Either in lots of pots full of colorful flowers or painting the trim and doors. A nice Japanese tree which stays small, but pops with it's red leaves would be nice somewhere out front. Also either a fountain or birdbath. You con make your own cheaply. So many ideas and sites out there. Look up gardening ideas on Pinterest. Turn that ridged off area into a garden with annuals and perennials.round off that inner corner first with cool garden edging you can find on gardening sites.
  • Jo Ann Miller Jo Ann Miller on Jul 09, 2014
    I would put a limestone retaining wall of some sort where the ridge is. Then put the same kind of stones around the flower bed. Very nice house. A darker trim would help, maybe a dark taupe/gray. Good luck and post a new pic after you finish.
  • Robert Shulman Robert Shulman on Jul 09, 2014
    Most of the suggestions made will help but I would also paint the overhang a contrasting complimentary color to the garage door and front door to draw attention to the roof line rather than your garage door. In addition whatever color you choose I would paint the jambs of the garage door and front door that same color so to tie it all together.
  • Seh337320 Seh337320 on Jul 09, 2014
    I would get rid of that bush. Find a large cool piece of outdoor art put over the window where the bush is, get some potted flowers....to start!
  • Andrea Andrea on Jul 09, 2014
    i agree with everyone else. Paint the garage door, front door and trim. Remove the bush - we had to do the same thing. The suggestion to research plants is a good one. find plants suitable for your climate and soil.
  • 169756 169756 on Jul 09, 2014
    If you like the bush, prune it to below your window. If not, replace with something that will be evergreen and will be a smaller specimen when full grown. Or a window box under the window with annuals for color if you get rid of the bush totally. With your great house and curved sidewalk, I would put in at least a 2-3 foot wide bed of color that curved with the sidewalk and came down to the end of the driveway. Something that draws the eye to the front door instead of the garage door. Lots of options and plenty of advice I'm sure :) Also, since your garage door is a very present statement, maybe a different color for it, with the same for window trim. Good luck. A great project!
  • Sandy Sandy on Jul 09, 2014
    All of the above, plus I think I would find a different type of out door lighting for each side of the garage, something contemporary since that is the style of your home, and perhaps some type of plaque or something for the space to right of the window, I would even do away with the grass in between the window and the sidewalk to expand your planting space. I am not sure what that ridge is in the yard, but perhaps a low stone wall with some plantings there would be nice, and a shrub of some sort on the left corner of the garage., something evergreen that will be nice all year long. I think those that are trimmed in a spiral would be nice planted on both sides of the garage. Good luck and we are looking forward to seeing pictures of the finished project!
  • Melissa Leach Melissa Leach on Jul 09, 2014
    Yes, paint the garage door and front door. I like the suggestion of a soft burgundy. Remove the bush in front of the window. Create a new garden area under the window, include boxwoods or burberry bushed (similar in color to burgundy) for grounding the area. Contine your plantings with perennials and annuals for a punch of color. Add a narrow stone border to both sides of and the length of the driveway and walkway. Consider a large chandelier type light in black to hang in your entrace way for more presence. Paint your current light fixture black. Good luck, you have a lovely home.
  • Jill Jill on Jul 09, 2014
    Yes, the shrub under the window has to go. Then, replace with a row of low shrubs (maybe boxwoods or pygmy barberry) along the front of that window, and fill the rest of the area between the walkway and the shrubs with a flower garden. That'll add texture, color and a focal point besides the garage door. The trim and garage door need a warmer tone; perhaps a dark taupe. You need a pair of pots of flowers, or even potted small shrubs, on each side of the front steps. Then a tree and maybe even more flowers surrounding the base of it in the yard where there appears to be some sort of ledge.
  • Cindy Cindy on Jul 09, 2014
    Hi you could change the look of your garage doors (picture or colors) and maybe a little flower bedin front of window but the brush would have to have some kind of adjustment. Cj5890
  • Donna Fisher Donna Fisher on Jul 09, 2014
    Plants,trim the one in front of the window and paint your garage door and trim a different color. It's very monochromatic.
  • Elizabeth Wright Elizabeth Wright on Jul 09, 2014
    I agree with all the suggestions to prune the bush under the window or replace with something smaller, also in this spot, a tall spiral evergreen would look great in the space to the right of the window. Paint the trim and garage door(or stain the doors alone). If you feel like a real change, pull out the grass between the path to the door and the ledge curving around to the driveway and make a deep bed for flowers, small trees(like a Japanese Maple) and shrubs. Landscaping always makes such a dramatic difference!
  • John J John J on Jul 09, 2014
    I would just look around at what your neighbours have done and simply adapt your favourites to your frontage. Personally I would prune down the shrub outside your front window and pretty it up by buying seasonal bedding flowers to bring in colour. Landscape the front grass area near the pathway as that looks difficult to mow the grass. If you can introduce large focal stones/boulders and plant around accordingly. You could introduce planters either side of the garage openings to further accentuate your landscape planting. Build or buy a 'bin tidy' to hide away the sight of your bins and paint in the same colour as your fencing. Good luck
  • Kathleen Kathleen on Jul 09, 2014
    The above suggestions are all good. (larger lights on either side of garage, darker trim, something on wall next to window, possibly some sort of small retaining wall in the ridge) While you consider the changes, think about "framing" the house and window with the plants and trees. You want varying heights, textures, and colors.
  • Paula Palmer Paula Palmer on Jul 09, 2014
    I agree with if that bush is savanna move it to a larger location then replace with two tall narrow evergreens to each side of window put low growing Hollis under window then you could underplant each spring with colorful annuals
  • Thej Thej on Jul 09, 2014
    Your home is lovely! Go to Maria Killian website as she had a similar front and had a professional landscaper draw up her plans. Might give you some ideas for your location. Enjoy!
  • Selena Selena on Jul 09, 2014
    How do I get to the Maria Killian website? I also have a similar house with the same problem. I am interested in the landscapers plans.
    • Thej Thej on Jul 10, 2014
      @Selena www.mariakillam.com from Color me Happy I goofed and had an extra I originally in her last name.
  • Gail Willson Gail Willson on Jul 09, 2014
    DON'T paint the garage door unless you want to emphasize the garage. (It will make your place look like a garage with a house attached.) Paint the front door a vibrant colour to draw the eye away from the garage. Trim or replace the shrub in front of the window, get rid of the lawn in front of the shrub and plant with perennials and perhaps put in some garden art. The front lawn looks as if it would lend itself to a retaining wall which you could then create a bed in front of and plant with perennials.
  • I definitely agree with Douglas Hunt. I would extend the ridge and put a small garden there. With bright and colorful flowers. Maybe some nice, solar powered outdoor lights along the edge of the driveway. I would trim or remove the huge bush so you can make use of the window and plant a couple more smaller size bushes that bloom flowers in that bed.
  • Carol Saylor Carol Saylor on Jul 09, 2014
    I agree - utilize the ridge, maybe some large stones, or statement pieces depending on your likes - ie - wagon wheel, or birdbath. And coordinate color with repaint the trim, garage door, medallion. a soft blue would look nice with all the stone and not make the door standout
  • Joyce Sobczyk Joyce Sobczyk on Jul 09, 2014
    I would love to see a nice white picket fence and a front porch extended from the walkway. I agree, downplay the garage and give the entrance more of a pop! www.theclosetconsult.com
  • Kathy Kathy on Jul 09, 2014
    I would paint the garage door a different color, get different lights (bigger) some colorful flowers and a small tree in the front yard. Like a Japanese Maple or a Crape Myrtle.
  • Sue Burch Sue Burch on Jul 09, 2014
    if you are going to paint the garage door I would paint it the same color as the brick to make it disappear. Absolutely agree with gail....paint it out or leave and put the punch at the front door....lower the bush in front of the window...Garage light is very tiny compared to the house. Also, use the lawn. A tree and flower bed would be good there.. or move the big bush there....
  • Sue Voelz Sue Voelz on Jul 10, 2014
    After removing shrub and planting colorful perennials, I would plant more flowers and or shrubs along sidewalk going up the front walk. Also remove grass on angle at bottom of drive way and plant in that area also. Maybe a light post in that area also, adding a rock. I agree with changing garage lights, adding an additional one on the other side.
  • Linda Linda on Jul 10, 2014
    I would hide the trash cans behind a little fence. I would trim or remove the bush by the window and replace with shorter ones, with tall ones at either side. I would add color by painting the front door a bright pop of color, maybe yellow, maybe red. DO NOT paint that huge garage door. Let it blend in and fade away. Add more plants to the front that bloom and provide color, with the shortened bush as the backdrop for that. Your home is beautiful.
  • Enjb Enjb on Jul 10, 2014
    It looks like you have a corner lot. Do you have a photo of the other side of that corner. The garage is way too dominant with the entry even playing second fiddle to the picture window. It looks like you have a wrought iron railing by the entry on the side facing the other street from your current entry orientation. Consider removing that and making your entry on that street front rather than the garage side. It will open up a world of possibilities and allow the garage side to be the 'business' side yard. The one fixture on the garage wall is far too small in proportion to the garage and I agree a second fixture would enhance the light and balance in that space.
  • 75591 75591 on Jul 10, 2014
    Definitely cut the shrub back under the window. How about a simple flower garden in the front yard where the curve is about 15 ft. from the front door. An excellent place to give color.
  • Buster Evans Buster Evans on Jul 10, 2014
    I dont know how old and deeply rooted that big bush is, IF it is possible to have it dug up an moved there are a couple of options, Place it midway down the drive way with enough room on the drive way side for it to grow without being a problem of getting into the driveway (pulling in or out) Then let it grow tall and that would cover the view of the garbage cans and where the fence joins to the house.... Daylilies and similar bedding plants could be placed in a flower bed where the bush is Now... Im not sure what is suited for your area there are plenty of possibilities and colors that should work... I would probably go with a slate gray/to almost charcoal trim and on the round attic vent and garage door and front door which would accent the light gray that you have already or or white trim with the slate gray to almost charcoal on the attic vent and garage door and front door with the railing to the front porch white OR the dark gray...making it a 3 tone trim Coming out from the front door into the yard there seems to be a squared dip in the lawn... I would make another flower bed there with a birdbath feature in it.If you enjoy feeding the birds a metal (shepherds hook) rod to hold a hanging feeder and a bird bath as well.. this will bring activity into the yard from nature. On the front corner near the side street (off to the RIGHT of the driveway as pictured) back a little from the sidewalk plant a tree there again Im not sure what grows best I am always into the colorful Maple trees here. The ones that turn Red to gold in winter time. Anyway those are some ideas you may want to check into with local nurseries and consider.. Its a beautiful place.. and a blank canvas... make it yours!!
  • Wanda sinnema Wanda sinnema on Jul 10, 2014
    This is a very nice plain looking home. I'd make a few changes,bigger garage light and matching porch light. Paint the front door a contrast color-dark or bright, to say: come in HERE,,, I'd remove the shrub to another area.I'd plant a tall thin evergreen in the corner between the garage and house..then, plant a combo of 2-3 lower shrubs, add some summer color-either perrienals and a few annuals....across the front, drawing your eye to the walk way and door.. on the corner of the porch or railing, I'd add a bright pop of color to compliment the new paint on the door..I'd plant a taller tree or 2, in the front ,,,,flowering plum would look wonderful w/ the brick...I wouldn't paint the garage door..You want to take your eye away from it. I'm not sure what idea was for the ridge..You could do 2 things.... make a stack retaining wall for a terraced look.. or leaveit as is and the lower area make a perrienal flower bed.. with newer reblooming day lilies or hedge (groundcover or shrub) roses, even ornamential grasses across the entire side give it a hedge look with color and break up the all grass ..can't tell if its a drain area or future flower bed.. love the look of the brick.... a dark plum door w/ flowering tree (plum colored foliage) bright pink shrubs or ground cover roses could be a palate to work around..with a pop of lime foliage...
  • Sherleen Z Sherleen Z on Jul 11, 2014
    I w old consider building an arbor over the garage door and perhaps adding an evergreen vine to break up the plainness of the garage door. Can you put a nice light fixture at the front door? Remove that lovely bush and plant it somewhere else in the winter. It's a shame to kill it! A brick of the same as your house would be a great small wall for the ridge, either plant above it with perennials or annuals or add soft touch hollies. O
  • Pam Bolton Pam Bolton on Jul 12, 2014
    Your large plant looks likea sago palm. It might not be too easy to transplant. If you becide to try it, wait until mid to late fall and be sure to dig abig root ball. I agree that you need a larger lantern beside the garage. For added interest at your front window, I would add a Bermuda shutter. Paint the shutter and the garage door a pale grey-blue. I would layer a shrub bed under the window with 3' shrubs at the back, 1' shrubs in the middle and colorful low growing annuals along the side walk. Since your are in central Texas, I would plant a live oak in line with your front door below the "ridge."
  • Cyndi Neumann Cyndi Neumann on Jan 04, 2015
    Could you add shutters to your front windows by the plant and flowers around base? Also make a flower garden in the area of your yard that looks indented and maybe along the driveway. I would like to see a spiral stone Labyrinth in your yard, maybe around the flower bed. I am anxious to see after photo! Good Luck, Smiles, Cyndi