IMO since you are going to paint why not remove what you don’t like put down the mulch and wait until you paint the go google MCM landscaping you will get lots of ideas

Here are a few photos to get you inspired. Be patient though, it takes time.

while you won't want to use wood in Florida, the color combinations can simulate some wood if you wish.

Notice the squared off planter bed. You could build something like this around that tree in the front. Of course, a full plan needs to be developed so all the elements work well together at the end. But with a total plan, you can bite off one project at a time and over time, complete your look. Notice the straight porch lines, the large metal house numbers, and the paint color combination. Simple plant material and the use of rock complements the design. Notice the straight lines and low growing plant materials. I hope this helps get your creative juices going. If you can, I would get a professional landscape designer to lay out a plan that you could implement over time. That would be money well spent, instead of doing bits and pieces and at the end, you stand back and say "this isn't quite right!" Good luck.

I would plant Fatsia in the little bed next to the door.

Cute house! Agree with Patricia. Get rid of all the plants you don't want or are so overgrown. Don't plant until after you have done the painting. Temporary fixes still cost money and the house is a work in progress. Post this on the Garden site too.

Just remodeled the exterior of our house. Agree with advice above, landscaping should come last. Put the finishing touches on your house & yard after everything else is done (painting, driveway , etc.)

If you are worried about mulch floating away and shell looking too cheap , could consider accentuating one of the areas with a rock that you like .

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