Cute house. You've got to give your zone to get any meaningful feedback.

Would you consider pruning or relocating the rose?

The tree needs to be limbed up.

@cecily 7A I wouldn't mind that a bit. I just hope I don't kill it in the process, especially with replanting.

You have a lovely tree but it’s been growing willy-nilly. Find a qualified person to raise its umbrella, so to speak.

That tall shrub behind it simply is bad. What is it? If that’s how big it wants to be (or even bigger?), it’s too big for that spot. Remove.

You have a lovely home.

@littlebug Thank-you! The tall shrub is a pink rose bush. It came with the house. In and of itself, it's truly breathtaking in spring, just cascades of pink blossoms. I would be really loath to part with it. It actually has a sister bush of the same type to its left. Unfortunately, it's not visible behind the tree (Google Maps image, I'm afraid.) I agree that they completely obscure the left side of the house. Perhaps moving them to the backyard is the best option?

Moving your roses is a good idea - choose a location with full sun. There is a separate forum called "Roses" populated by experienced rosaians who can give you advice on moving them (when to move, how much to prune them back before moving, etc).

If the rose is thriving there and you like it, I would not risk moving it. Roses are easy to control with regular pruning, so maybe ask for advice on the rose forum about that. I don't agree about limbing up the tree. Some people (including me) prefer a more natural look and think removing the lower limbs makes the trees look naked and skinned. If you like it how it is, don't remove the lower branches. Not knowing where you live or what direction this faces, it's possible that tree provides valuable shelter/shade. Your home is darling!

I think I need to understand a bit about the style you like for the house . I would start landscaping by putting awalkway directly from the street to the front door . I dislike entry walks from the driveway. I think the rose would be much ahppier in a sunnier spot the tree needs a major pruning and shaping. You need to visit the local garden center to understand what grows well where you live and with the exposures you have . I think to start I would do a nice trellis between the windows to add a bit of interest to that area. From your idea books the whole vein I see is more foundation large bed plantings and thta walkway from the street would help with that idea since it then allows for nice wide beds along the walk . IMO find one of those pics in your idea book and take it with you to the garden center so they get a good idea of what you like. I think this house can go in many style directions .

Leave the rosebush where it is since it's thriving and must be wonderful when you arrive or leave the house. Learn about rosebushes from garden websites to keep it at its best.

You have a beautiful amount of shade from that tree though it needs a bit of pruning so it doesn't hide the house. I can see a widened half circle patio/walkway that extends under the tree, something like this only rounded into the shade of your tree.

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Or something like this but with seating area and garden bed under the tree.

Cottage Garden with Curb Appeal · More Info

Some front patio/walkways:

Forever Ranch · More Info

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Potomac, MD - Front Entrance Walkway · More Info