I live on 6.5 acres in the wine country (Sonoma County - California). We completely remodeled and rebuilt a small ranch house right before the market crash. The back of the property looks out to a one-and-a-half acre pond and although it needs work it's a lovely view. The front of the house is an entirely different story. I've been trying to figure out what to do with the front of the house since we remodeled. What landscaping/grass we have installed always looks unkempt partly because of what it is but also because the property is so big that it becomes impossible to manage given that my husband and I both work crazy hours and we have two children. It may not be clear from the photo but we have a circular drive with about 100 lavender bushes in the center (maintenance nightmare)!

The style of the house is modern country. I like grasses because they're clean and simple which I think would be a great foil for the house. I also love planting beds with traditional flowers and plants like heritage roses, hydrangeas (although the front gets hot afternoon sun), catmint, boxwood, lavendar etc. We definitely need hardscape. Since we're in the country I was thinking of a smaller sized pea gravel. I don't like asphalt or concrete. I will stain that awful front concrete walkway which was supposed to be brown but turned out pink. I would love any and all feedback.

I'm having computer problems and can't get my photos to load on iphoto so I'm just attaching what photos I have to give you an idea of site. Thanks so much!