I love split rail fences, so I’d fix that one (unless you’re not a fan of it, of course).

I’d change out the extensions of your downspouts ... we replaced ours with black hose-type ones that lay on the ground (and I covered somewhat with plants and/or mulch). You can google “downspout hoses” for ideas.

Yes, need to know your area for plant recommendations. You could extend your side bed around the corner and have a shrub or two there with other lower plantings.

Well what do you plan to use that area for? And are you talking about where the table/chairs are now? Do you intend to continue to use that spot for a table/chairs?

As to the split rail fence, I’m not a fan. Unless you are located in a very rural area where those are common for livestock control, or you have a western-style house. (Yes, miz, I can understand your view as you are in Texas). :)

Thank you!! I am in zone 5 and live in the country in a rural area.
The corner area did have ferns but I removed them. It does have some Lilly of the valley and some lupines that I added last year. It has an ivy like ground covering that is quite thick and will be coming in soon.

I agree 100% about the downspouts - the one going across the sidewalk is a major tripping hazard in addition to sticking out like a sore thumb in the looks department. I assume from the house number that the driveway and small patio are on the side of the house, with the number and large shrubs on the front?

Does the fence serve a purpose at all? If not, I would get rid of it, especially since it will open up the area around the patio. Without the fence there you could expand that and/or add some attractive landscaping so it doesn't seem like it's just floating in the middle of nothing.

Beyond that, it's hard to suggest landscaping without seeing the bigger picture - can you post photos that show the front of the house as well?

some ideas

That is beautiful!! Attached is the front of the house....I have to do something with those shrubs...yuck!

LOL, part of the reason I asked to see what was around front was to see if there was anything there you might want to use. NOPE! Those ginormous evergreens have to go. Your house looks like it's probably very charming behind there - cut them down so the house itself can shine! I would be inclined to remove the large rounded shrubs as well, and create a bed with some smaller shrubs and perennials that would reach around into that corner you referenced in your first post. The flat-topped ones flanking the front door might look nice once the trees are gone, so I'd hold off on getting rid of them until you cut other things down.

I know very little about zone 5 plants so I'll let others make specific suggestions, but for beds around the foundation, definitely choose things that will stay below the windowsills (or keep them trimmed that way).

Doug's design above shows a lovely walkway from your driveway to your front door, which I think would be a very nice addition if you want to do some hardscaping. Do you currently walk through the yard if you have to go from the front door to the driveway?

some ideas