Hi All
I could really use some step by step instructions on how to get the garden around our house in presentable order. We bought the house as a foreclosure last spring, but spent last year focused on getting the house in livable condition. Now its time to move on to the yard.

The garden around the house was clearly at one time landscaped, but has been neglected for many years. I need to figure out how to salvage the plants that are already existing (primarily the rhododendron and possibly the holly bushes, also dont want to destroy the bleeding hearts that come up on the side of the house) and come up with a plan for the rest of the space. I need to know what tasks to do first and when.

I live in northern MD, right by PA. Budget is also a concern, so pricey plants are not an option currently. I'd like to put in plants that will come back year after year, I'd like the garden to look nice at least through spring and summer/early fall, and I'd like to plant some bee and butterfly friendly plants.

My major issue with the rhododendrons is how they are entirely bare for 3-4 feet off the ground, which is pretty unslightly. From what I read, the only real solution to this is to prune them down to about a foot tall, which may kill them? If anyone has any advice here, i'd love to hear it.

I have a general idea of what area i want to plant in, keeping pretty consistent with what the previous owners did. the only way I plan to deviate is to make the area on the side of the porch almost entirely garden, so that it doesnt need to be mowed. I will post pictures with better explanations.
I'd really love some serious hand-holding/coaching. Thank you!!