Where by the sea? We are facing east and are north of boston and almost nothing grows because of the wind. My neighbors just a block away can have azaleas and rhododendron and dogwood. We can only manage lavender and beach roses.

East coast Nova Scotia (St Margaret’s Bay area). There exists quite a variety on our property. Cherry and apple tree, quice, lots of wild roses, lavender, raspberries, birches and a magnolia, and many more I still have to identify. the previous owner was quite a gardener.

What is meant by the term "green room"? Is it for plants or people or both? Your house has a pleasant simplicity of form and I would hesitate to do too many add-ons. Combine the carport with the garden storage, if possible, perhaps making one side of the structure an eclosed shed. The garden as it is has a relaxed, natural feel, and I'd love to see a photo in spring. Don't add anything structural between your house and the view of the pond and spring -- wouldn't want to distract from the view. :)

With all these improvements, which include architectural and hardscape, it's imperative that you do none of the work without first creating a comprehensive, master plan. It would show where every proposed feature would be located. Other more detailed plans would probably be necessary for some of the more complicated features to be built. The master plan you could create yourself if you have the inclination, can draw, and are willing to put in the time. You could get advice here along the way. Or you could pay a professional (landscape designer or landscape architect) to do it.

To create the master plan one would need to measure all the major features of a property and place their location accurately on a base plan. The base plan is used for analyzing and recording conditions, scheming possible solutions, and later for drawing on the accepted, good ideas once one commits to them. The plans at any stage are extremely useful in communicating to others what details you might be talking about, should you need to discuss your ideas along the way. In the end, one would end up of a map of their little slice of paradise. aka master plan.

Thanks to all of you for your responses. All very helpful. Yardvaark, quite right about a master plan which is why I was asking for ideas so we could put it all together before making any changes. Hoping in the end will will become our ‘little slice of paradise’. Kiminpl, by green room (in a perfect world) it would accomodate both plants and people. Thinking something on the south side overlooking the pond. Like the carport/storage idea. Pinkmountain, thanks we love the natural look too. To all, the only face that doesn’t work for me is the west side. It needs something. Boat will be moved to the left side of the driveway entry in the spring. Can’t wait until spring so see what sprouts. Will post pictures when the area looks more alive. Thanks again!

Lovely home! As you think about adding On garage, green room, you might be mindful of the entry to the house. As is, as you approach, you must drive all around to get to the front of the house and a cheery greeting!:) if the garage will go on the west end, consider making an inviting main back entry so as you drive up your first vision of the home is welcoming. The east facing door could be converted to French doors and a large lounging outdoor, more private space. Heather could border the entrance and euonymus manzanita providing hedging or some evergreen foundation.

Old Maine farm houses have extensions from house to workshops to barn, permitting movement between the areas during the winter months. I can envision a similar extension from the west side of your home and the creation of a gravel parking court there, surrounded by cut granite stones.

A look using plants that will tolerate zones 4-8 with salty air.

WOW! Dig Doug’s Design, I love love love the concept.