Hi Palmer9028!

I would definitely keep the natural brick It is beautiful! Maybe give it a gentle power wash, research power washing so as not to damage the brick.

Also, I agree and like Shutter Shack's suggestions on the shutters and roof. A dark gray or black roof would be lovely with black shutters and a black front door, this would give the brick pop and new life. You should be sure to keep the window trims white to tie in the white garage door. Not sure that I would do the window boxes, the home has nice clean lines and boxes may distract or appear cluttered.

Maybe add brick to extend the steps the full length of the porch to give it a larger, more elegant, and open welcoming entry. You could then place a couple large pots on the steps (along the wall/garage end) with seasonal flowers or just leave it open, but it would allow you the flexibility to change the look without spending a lot as the seasons change and to keep it interesting, without crowding the entry.

I suggest removing all the shrubs, they look like a fortress, instead of a home. Replace them with softer more inviting shrubs and flowers that add visual interest. See photo's 1-3 below for some ideas. Maybe extend the planting bed further into the lawn on the side of the garage with some curves to give the front landscape more flow, create interest, and lessen the linear lines of the home.

This is a lovely home and the brickwork is so gorgeous! Please post photos of your finished home and have fun with the process!

1) Brick Fireplace Front with plants
[houzz=]

2) Gray brick home with floral and bush
[houzz=]

3) Home with assorted shrubs
[houzz=]

Thank you Shutter Shack and thiskid, I think you are right and I shouldn't paint the brick. I see what you mean about using bigger shutters. I did want to tear out the shrubs...but I am terrible with landscaping, so thank you for all the photos!

I was thinking something like this for the porch?

I don't mind the square blocks but not keen on the railing, I prefer open spaces as they are more inviting to me. FYI - I added a suggestion to my first post, about the landscaping extending into the lawn.

Very true about the railing, I hadn't thought of that. I love the idea of expanding the garden further.

I would, for starters, take out the shrubs in front and extend the steps like so:

WOW!!! That is amazing. I know I want to do that now. Thank you groveraxle!

Spending some time designing the landscaping and adding a pop of color to the porch and yes do something about the shutters and you could add a lot of curb appeal to your house. Window boxes if you like that look, is a possibility too.

Properly sized shutters, shrubs gone:

Got to go. Maybe I'll have more ideas by the time I return, palmer.

Here's a different take on the window boxes. These Hanging Garden Trellises can be hung from ceiling rafters in front of bare walls or windows -for a natural air conditioner effect. One in front of each of the windows on the left would look great.

A way to break up all the stone and add architectural interest would be to add wood panels about twice the width of the shutters,clear to the ground..this would also give opportunity to bring in more color

Flower bed along the driveway and side of the garage:

Paint the garage door so it blends with the brick; highlight the front door. That will change the whole look.

Paint the shutters, not the brick. Paint only lasts for 10 to 15 years, 20 if you are really lucky. That will go by fast and then you'll need to shell out thousands for another paint job.

Paint the garage door. Consider painting the window frames, cream or sand if you want to play it safe, gray or blue gray or sage green are other options. Go to SW or BM and upload your pic and play around with color options.

Your landscaping is very regimented. I'd replace the pruned shrubs with exuberant flowering bushes. You want a mix of size and bloom times. Big plants are expensive, you can always buy small ones and remove the existing shrubs as they new ones grow. I'd leave one or two of the existing ones in. Or you could add some perennials to your beds:

Next, I'd pick a beautiful tree with year-round interest and place it in your yard. Fruit is nice because you get free fruit. Or get something with spectacular flowers (Japanese cherry, Magnolia) or a great shape (Japanese maple, Harry Lauder's walking stick, etc) Experiment with placement, do you want more privacy or to not block the view of your windows? Do you want to see birds out the kitchen window when doing the dishes? Do you need more shade? Make sure you get something that works well in your zone. Magnolias can do just fine in colder places, but if they bloom before the last hard frost, instead of getting beautiful blooms, you get a tree covered with dead, brown flowers that are slow to fall off.

Thanks so much for all the ideas!! I love the pink tulips, and a flowering tree for sure. I would never have thought to extend the garden area all the way down the driveway... it looks very nice that way. I think having shutters the right size does make a difference, but maybe I should take them off the garage window altogether?

groveraxle, what is the program you are using...?

I think the brick is beautiful and it would be a shame to paint over it. Besides once you paint brick you always have to keep painting it as the paint peels off. What a chore. The faded shutters need updating to a bolder color such as maroon. The front steps are moldy and just need a good powerwashing. Get rid of the last boxwood and on each side of the steps, lay some decorative small stones and place large matching urns with a collage of plants of different textures and color.

Every house needs foundation plants but these are a little bland. I agree with the variety of shrubs and plants suggested by thiskidd but you don't have a lot of depth to work with between the house and the driveway. You need a variety of height, color, and texture. A local garden center can make suggestions of good foundation plant combinations for your climate. You just need to tell them how much sunlight that section gets so they can direct you to sun-loving plants or shade-loving plants. Sometimes it just takes trial and error to get it right though.

The front of the house is west facing, so definitely more shade loving plants. I also like the idea of large matching urn on both sides of the steps.. Thanks!

palmer, I use Photoshop Elements.