New Home- Where do I even start?

What is you location? What are the lighting conditions? Can you post a photo so one can look into ideas to help?

how much landscaping do you want to do at one time? when i had moved to a bare yard home- i consulted the county extension office and master gardener called me back. they came and did soil tests in different areas. once i had the results- i checked in with a local landscaping company. they came, assessed the slope, measured out the yard, took notes on the existing planting-namely the trees, and a run off drainage issue . then they drew up plans for the back yard.

at that time it was 50$ for the plan. they set it up to be implemented in stages- over 3 yrs. my 1 take away from the experience- well worth it.

So happy for you! I really like Dfm's suggestion and with a little hunting and pecking you should be able to do something similar. If there is a local college nearby that offers landscaping - contact them. My friend basically received free plans along with soil testing as the students used her yard as a class project.

The very first thing I would do is try to outline where my lawn should go. Establish a good lawn with grass suited for the climate and clear clean border separating the house, walks, driveways, trees and margins. Once you establish this, you should seek out a good Nurseryman and ask about shrubs and perennials. When planting you should be mindful of upkeep and maintenance of all plants. Also remember plants have roots that you can't control and for some reason they love to grow under walks, driveways and foundations! Upon establishing the lawn and boarders I would keep all plantings outside of the lawn. There is no better landscape than green carpet like lawn.

Just start around the house 1st.. either withe bushes of your choosing and flower beds..start small you can always add..then consider your walkways and especially try to see how and where the water flows in heavy rains and make sure you dont put anything in the path if its already going away from your house..I learned that the hard way..but yes start from your house and head out from there . thats what i did anyway and it worked well for me..and its all on what you like too..my landscaping is rock islands and rock pathways ..my house is on a slope so i have alot of rock tiers with alot of flowinfg plants, mosses and Irises are a good beginner plant for a new gardener..they come back yr after yr and are practically maintenance free