Ok, make the subject "Requesting Help - Wannabee Country Cottage"

Sure, there's plenty you can do more, but it's adorable even now!

What's the blue plastic behind the house?

Thank you, mjlb. I do love my little house, but feel that someone more talented could do it more justice. Blue plastic? Not sure what you're looking at. In the 2nd, 3rd, and last photo, you see one piece of my patio furniture covered in white. It's on the side of the house. Is that what you're referring to?

Suzieque

Oh - and I'm not limiting my question to just planting - I am open to a reasonable bump-out, addition, etc. Anything! I don't have bottomless pockets, but am very willing to do things in portions and steps over a few years.

Thank you all!

I have total and complete New England farmhouse envy. I live in SoCal and its stucco land. Your house looks lovely. Have you thought about an English garden look? My neighbor's front yard is very English garden looking and her biggest maintenance is deadheading her roses. You could plant hybrid tea roses along your walkway and mix in foxgloves, delphiniums and boxwood shrubs. On the right side of your house an arbor with climbing roses would look stunning. I also think climbing roses on both sides of your front door would add to the cottage look.

Oh, your home is SO SWEET! I love it!! You have beautiful surroundings too!

You mentioned additions; what do you need from your house? We know nothing about your interior. Are you wanting more space or an extra bedroom?

Glad to see you posting. ;)

Yes, mldao, I'd love an English garden. I just feel so plain and incompetent. Some time later I'll ask for help INSIDE! LoL.

Hi Texashottie - thank you for your words! Well, I don't really "need" anything, just "want" - know how that is? I guess I'd really most like to bump out my kitchen (which is next to the patio, where the bay (or bow, can never keep those straight) window is. Or a screen porch, or something like that. But that's lots of money so down the road. In the meantime, I absolutely love sitting on my patio, in my favorite chair, with my favorite cat on my lap (harness and leash intact).

I'm thinking of gradual changes as far as money goes, but would like to start on the outside, making it cottagy, first.

I very much appreciate all of the responses!

Suzieque

I love your beautiful home! I agree that you need an English cottage garden. Find a locally-owned garden center in your town (not a big box store). They will be knowledgeable about plants that will do well in your area, and can help you with mixing different textures and types of plants.

Here is one of my favorite places. Yes, we can even have cottage gardens in Texas!

Here is a link that might be useful: Antique Rose Emporium

Thank you all. Any thoughts about a picket fence, a small porch on the side, whatever? I planted a few more perennials today, and those'll be nice, but somehow I need more inspiration for cut-out gardens, walkways, arbors, etc.

Suzieque

You might want to consider screen/storm doors like these:

http://www.vintagedoors.com/vscreenstorm.html

With a larger scale light fixture next to front door.

Don't know Photoshop, so this is supersketchy on arbor idea, with cottage style perennial beds either side of walkways.

I like it, mjlb. Thanks!