These photos do not show things correctly to be well understood. Stand on the city sidewalk, directly in line with the front door. From that exact spot, take a series of slightly overlapping photos that pan from the left neighbor's house front to the right neighbor's house front. This way, we'll get to see the surroundings of your home as well as the structure itself.

thank you for the reply. This was my third attempt to send a description and photos. The first two just seem to lock up in the system. I was hoping that the one full view picture of the house could be enlarged enough so people could see everything.

Attractive house, but the landscaping (basically tightly manicured bushes) works against it. I can imagine all of the current plants (except the grass) removed. For low-maintenance replacements, perhaps sculptural looking palm clumps set away from the house. But, perhaps you are not looking for plant advice, but only ideas for adding more concrete. Forgive my bluntness, but it just seems a pity when a Florida yard doesn't take advantage of our wonderful year-round growing climate to feature a variety of textures, light and shade, and/or color.

"The first two [pictures] just seem to lock up in the system.

The problem uploading pictures is that you must wait a few seconds for the pictures to become full color (not greyed out) before submitting them. Once in a while Houzz plays with their system and you can't upload anything, but that's infrequent and would pass after a little time.

"I was hoping that the one full view picture of the house could be enlarged enough so people could see everything."

A picture that must be enlarged only becomes blurry. The demand for advice on the forum has come to the point where it's hard to address everyone seeking help. In resolving that for myself, I've decided to put my efforts to helping those who can supply decent pictures, since that is really the only way which we can become acquainted with someone's property. I'm also interested in helping those who can put forth a little effort in responding to the help they're given. There's little joy in helping those who wish to make you struggle harder just so you can help them.

Hi Irma, thanks for your thoughts. Not necessarily looking for more concrete other than to enhance the entrance, however, if a small patio can be added well with new landscaping, planters, etc. we wouldn't be opposed. It's nice to be out in the neighborhood vs. sequestered in a backyard even with a nice pool, lanai, etc. Just more neighborly.....even without a nice, big front porch. PS, the grass will all be coming out. Over the years we have had to remove 2 large oak trees. The root systems from those trees have made the front yard very uneven, etc.

Yardvark...thank you for your comments. I totally agree with and understand your thoughts. I have attached new photos here (hopefully)….and hope they are better. I thought the angled shots would best give one an idea of the depth, etc. ie, the front door is actually 16' from the front column, etc. etc. Thanks again.

some ideas:

WOW!!! Really nice! Thanks Doug! Great ideas, color, etc......and it seems as though you understood what I was trying to accomplish. Kudos!!! Would you do anything on the far right of the house?

I can't see enough of the far right to tell.

do these help?

I agree with tall palms and a bed to block that view of the two story house with all those windows looming over you.

Hi again Doug. I'm finally back. I see what you are doing and I like it; but, neither my time nor talents are enough to handle such heavy plantings. Maybe a "less is more" can be equally appropriate and fresh? Or perhaps if I could see 1 picture showing both of your designs together that would help. I've tried to print them, but cannot.

Also, I'm just curious if the pergola idea is OK architecturally....extending over only a portion of the house? Maybe others have thoughts on that.....

If your pergola ends at the far right of the front window it would measure 11' deep X16' wide.

Again, your first photo is great as it does seem to greatly enhance and soften an otherwise deeply set entrance by removing the tunnel effect.

thanks to all! keep your coming. they are appreciated.

May I suggest you visit a native plant nursery? Native plants will not only be fairly easy to care for, but attract butterflies and birds to your garden.