It you try to talk about multiple parts of your yard all at once, the conversation is not as focused and can become confusing. Better to limit a thread to one area of the yard and start a separate thread for another area.

The photos should show the complete front foundation planting scene so we can see how everything fits together. Best if you line up with the front door for all pics (about as far back as the picture with 3 barberry) and pan from far left to far right taking slightly overlapping photos. Post them individually, not a panorama generated from them.

Also, say something about what your goals and objectives are. Is it just better appearance? Or do you need something else, too?

Thank you, I'll the sure to take better pictures tomorrow.

I'm looking to stop errosion on the slopes of my yard, provide shade and make the yard look less 'bare' I'm not sure how to describe it.

You did describe it.

Be sure to add pictures of the erosion to show what you're talking about.