You're asking for an entire book here- siting, grading, design, drainage, sun exposure, plants, soil amendment, trees, color, spacing, growth, etc. And we have no idea of your location or zone or photos of the property.

Where on earth are you and may we have some photos of what you are dealing with- preferably from the curb showing the entire scope of where the house sits?

Otherwise all I can say is hit up your local library or a bookstore and find something on landscape design. Perhaps someone can recommend a book - I'd start here.

And read this before you plant anything- planting a tree incorrectly is about the single biggest mistake folks make.

Grading and hardscape need to be finished before any planting takes place (other than to prevent erosion short term).

Thanks, Cear Ball. I appreciate your thoughts. I will upload some pics today

You have accurately outlined the first step in the process.....asking for help :-) But I'd suggest the scope of your project and the complete lack of information provided here would be better served by hiring a local professional to help you through the process.

I'd recommend asking at a local nursery or garden center for referrals - most will offer this service if they do not have a designer on staff (many do). Otherwise, the Association of Professional Landscape Designers maintains a nationwide database of qualified landscape/garden designers that you can access for your locale.

I am always a bit surprised that this option is not more frequently recommended here. While landscape design is not rocket science, it does have a very significant learning curve if one has never undertaken it before or if one is new to gardening in general. And online suggestions seldom will provide the detailed input necessary for a full garden master plan.

Yes, and hiring someone to do or help with the design needn't break the bank.

In my first home I fought my yard for a few years before I gave up and hired a landscape designer. I was on a very tight budget so had them do my design for $250 (in 1991 dollars) and I did the purchasing of small inexpensive plants and all the labor myself.

I did have them do the sourcing and installation of three very large trees because I felt like instant shade was worth it. But I dug and planted everything else myself over the course of a couple of years as I could afford it. I did substitute some plants that they had incorporated in their design but what they provided me in terms of flow and balance was invaluable. I learned a lot.