Start by identifying the lot lines. You may need a surveyor.

Do you have a budget range in mind? Does it include reworking the drainage if you change what is on the slope?

I think if you have the budget, consider building a retaining wall to extend the area of flat yard.

Other than grass for that area, I would look at native shrubs and trees.

Thanks Houssaon. Retaining wall is something that I have thought of. I plan to do some of the work myself, and a retaining wall might be a DIY project to save money. Rutgers University is nearby and they have a great landscaping school and a course on building a retaining wall.

Thanks Apple-Pie-Order. Currently I do not have a budget. I wanted to get ideas on types of plants to install, hardscaping, etc., and then shop around. There are a number of nurseries near me with really good prices on plants plus I want to do some work myself.

Thanks tfitz1006! I have taken a couple of RU courses and they are really fun!

Is there a natural flow of rain water off this slope? I just wrote long post but Houzz ate it! If there is a runoff water management issue, create a dry River bed to direct water too a preferred area. Rather than a retaining wall, I think a more “natural” look would be to create a terrace style to retain soil and be natural but more attractive. Some natural stone creating small areas for plant material would look great. I like Blue Rug Juniper for evergreen look and fast growth for main anchoring plants. Some rhododendrons, red buds, and azaleas would add dimension and spring color. Add some seasonal annual flowers and you would have a beautiful, natural garden look. Of course, you need plant materials that work in your zone so research that. I will look for some inspirational photos for you.

Thanks Flo!! Yes, there is a runoff water issue. Looking forward to seeing the inspirational photos!

Here are a few.

More. I would get your boundaries understood. Then next rain mark how water flows. You can alter the flow somewhat but if heavy you need possibly some French drains. But from your photos I don’t think you have big slope? Here a few more. The beauty of doing it this way, is you can keep it organic and natural looking and that means less maintenance too.

The clock is ticking. If you don't do anything with it this spring, all that 'junk' is just going to grow back. If you honestly don't have ideas about what you want from it, letting it grow back probably isn't a bad idea.

In the northeast, if it isn't paved, you weed or you mow. The only other alternative is to live with what you had. Many, many people find that acceptable. But a big question is just how much maintenance are you willing to put in.

Gasko Family Farms in Monroe is a great spot for buying plants when you are ready. excellent prices.

Fruit trees. Pears. Cherries. Peaches. APPLES.

Try some native understory trees like winterberry, redbud, and dogwoods. You didn't say what type of soil that you have, but you should consider a green mulch of low growing perennials, ferns, or shrubs. There's a great book by Rick Darke and Doug Tallamy that you can look at for inspiration.

I hail from your neck of the woods and how I miss it!

Read Ken Druse’s ’The New Shade Garden’ and work your beautiful woodland!

Here are some ideas:

Thank you to 'Dig Doug's Designs'. I like the mix of hardscape and softscaping.

This is my north side garden (the arbs are my neighbors)

And while you're trying to plant and naturalize your side yard, Bennet offfered the best guidance for your plot. Btw, you never mentioned what trees are populating that buffer.

This is a view from the street of my property, .....

Privacy and diverse plantings: clethra, sassafras, oak leaf hydrangea, inkberry, itea, viburnums, redbud and dogwoods

Hi Ted. Thank you and my apologies. Your response got lost. To be honest, I don't really know what trees are there. I think they are 'weed' trees, such as black locust, etc., which are native to the area.

Well, I wouldn't call black locust a weed tree.

I wouldn't call native trees weeds. Natives are well adapted to your soil and climate hence they are landscaping stalwarts.