What are the two lollipop shrubs?

@emmarene thank you for the post! I'm not sure what kind of trees they are- they were there when I bought the house- they have tiny white flowers that bloom occasionally but for the most party they stay all green. Hope that helps!

I am in Northern California too; that is why I wondered about those shrubs, Could you show them close up? Also, will you stand at the front door and take a picture of the view to the street? I love your house as it is.

I would begin with something in front of the porch. Either a simple something from the steps to the drive, about 28" wide; OR consider filling in that entire area between the walk and the house.

Then, balance it by having a different something immediately under the windows, between those trees/shrubs.

Lead us a bit. Do you want color? Low maintenance for you might be different than what I consider low maintenance. How many hours a month would you be willing to put in to your plants?

Jim

Congrats on your first home! It is very cute!
I would fill in the area with shrubs and maybe even a pretty tall vase water feature.
I would also extend and swoop the bed with the unknown trees.
Lots of pots on the porch.
I can't recommend plants as I don't know what is native or grows in CA.

You have good bones in the houseto start journal project
I

It's the clipped lollypop standards that just don't seem right in the application here. I think they'd be be more effective as focal points to design garden beds around somewhere other than in the front yard - like one would design gardens around a fountain, statue or other garden art.

How do you feel about low maintenance succulents between the walk and porch; one of the grasses as an accent? Something I'd love, but can't have much in the way of in my climate. As for additional shrubs under the window like a row of boxwood - that might get to look ordinary and tiresome, especially if mercilessly sheared. There are always two schools of thought regarding foundation planting on this forum - some like it, some don't.

I have the "usual" foundation plantings, mirror image arborvitae, mugos, and yews. My house is a center hall colonial so that arrangement worked. It's lived far beyond its usefulness now - 40 years and I can no longer keep it in check, so it'll be ripped out and I'll have to face the replacement dilemma myself.

Hi and thank you all for your input we have since completed our weekend project of landscaping. It's definitely still a work in progress (and nothing fancy...) but with our budget limitations I think it's a nice improvement from before! I am going to "un follow" this thread. Thanks so much again for the help! Much appreciated!