Landscaping Design/Flow...

Do you have a good local plant nursery in your area Lindsay? You could take these pictures there and they would give you some good ideas as well as recommend the best plants for your area. I do agree that you should use LOTS more plants--preferable perennials and shrubs. Once you get all the perennials established your yard should be easy to maintain.

Looks like you need something to provide shade. Like GK above said that pictures to a local nursery. Native plants usually do better in their own natural area.

A fire pit surrounded by pavers and lots of seating would be a nice addition.

A deck the a outdoor umbrella and table would look good and be practical at the same time.

Then add color in the form of native plants to your area. Put larger plants in back sort of using a stair step approach.

If you had a walk way or path leading down from your deck to the lower part of your yard some type of lighting along that walk way would be functional and dress it up too.

If you put in any vines don't let those climb on the house. Their roots can do a lot of destruction.

Lindsay: maybe this will help

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-8/drought-tolerant-plants-for-zone-8.htm

I agree, I would start at a local nursery. I would start with some shrubs though, large ones along back wall, or a hedge. I would put a large circular bush in the corner and work your way out. Then I would layer flowering perennials in front of the hedge for color. That's where the nursery comes in, recommending what will thrive in that area and choosing things that will layer well and bloom in phases from April to October.

Consider alternating the space with a taller variety of crepe myrtle and then below the windows something like sea green juniper. Once established this pair will almost never need watering and will be able to handle all types of winters. I would not plant either of these too close to the house, though. Leave at least 6 feet distance between the house and where you plant - the juniper will spread near the ground and the myrtles create a canopy. Edge and mulch below them and you'll have a really nice look in just a couple of years. Check out photos for the types and sizes of whatever you choose in order to keep the flow. And purchase varieties that are pest resistant - but be sure to check them in the Spring. Bagworms can overwhelm shrubs in Zone 8. So can scale, borers and even fire ants.

I would have a few landscape companies come out and give me free estimates on what they could do to liven this area up - they know what plants, grasses, etc will grow in your area and if you could put in a pond or water feature. Also you could go to your local nursery and take photos and ask for help because they know what grows best with sun and wind and other conditions

One way to plan your beds is to get a long garden hose to lay out possible shapes. Take pictures of several options to choose your best options. Talk to neighbors with yards you admire and the local nurseries to get ideas of what grow well in your area. Neighbors will share those super hardy perennials usually. Make sure you don't build up the beds close to the foundation where they could let water or worse yet Termites get into those Weep holes in the brick. Also plan for the full size of trees and bushes you plant. We are hacking back huge trees that some previous owner planted as cute little shrubs. You have lots of possibilities, map out a plan that you can do in stages.

With a blank canvas of this large, I would recommend that you consult a landscaping company regarding designing a master plan for the whole yard.

Due to the size of the area, you are going to need not only plants, but some solid structures made from brick, metal, wood, etc. just to balance the 'weight' of the house.

Spend time thinking about how you want to use the space, not only now but in future years as well. For example, outdoor activities such as vegetable gardening, flower growing, group games, shady area for relaxing, pet area, barbecue patio, etc. Are you wanting especially lower maintenance components, or do you enjoy digging in and getting your hands dirty working outside on a regular basis?

Sure you can purchase individual plants, but IMO the outcome is going to be just a scattering of plants and a piece-meal effect. It will never look cohesive or finished, and you will continually be chasing your tail trying to plant and replant various small pieces of greenery. It will not be money or time well spent.

With a plan designed to be carried out over several years, you will be able to establish particular areas all along, and continually see progress while working toward a final goal of achieving a beautiful professionally landscaped yard.

You can also check out several Youtube channels with ideas, like Garden Answer. https://www.youtube.com/user/gardenanswer Good luck!