I wanted to add these 2 pictures of what the area in front of the small patio looks like. Again, it will be filled with rock/gravel.

You have done a nice job so far! My question - why are you commited to gravel in that small grassy area in front of the porch? Do you plan to plant something in the gravel? You are in a very warm area of the country and rocks will roast your plants.

Thank you! And honestly, I’m not sure why I’m committed to that idea. Maybe I don’t need to be?

My original thought was not to have any plants there at all. Just gravel, again for drainage reasons.

But maybe plants are a better idea?

I really am open to ideas…

No shade trees?

See, that's why I'm here! LOL

Thanks @cecily 7A

I'm obviously very hyper-focused on how it's going to look, and not so much on anything else. I need to keep in mind form AND function. I'm sure a shade tree would be a wonderful addition.

Something I must admit though: I am not a fan of the Southern Magnolia, which is everyone's go-to around here. I don't care for the leaves nor the big white flowers. Yes, I know...a bit blasphemous in Mississippi. But for almost 30 years we had a truly magnificent Magnolia in our front yard in NJ and there's nothing I can ever do to convince myself to be happy with another variety.

I love the look of a Weeping Willow, but understand that they've got a reputation for problems with roots and underground pipes, so that's a no go. I also had a wonderful Weeping Cherry tree in NJ that I adored. Google tells me that "They can provide shade and help control erosion and excess moisture in the ground."

Please Google "hurricane resistant trees". You don't want something prone to breakage in high winds.

I would fill in the space between the porch and sidewalk with ground over or low growing juniper.

Oh, and Wow what a wonderful transformation!!❤️🏠

Here are some suggestions:

Thanks to all for their comments. Now, if only we can find a good landscaper to do it for us!

I don't know if this is on topic or not, but ... is the drainage issue connected to the rain gutters?

If so, I wonder if there mightn't be a way to have a gutter extension to somehow get the water draining off to the side somehow? Or, just out over the driveway? Or to bury some underground pipes, possibly? Do you get much rain? I mean, I certainly agree that drainage is important.

Are there other drainage options?

Oh, good for you!! A good drainage design is such a blessing!! I was confused about where the pebbles were going. I am fond of pebbles, myself. They make a nice sound.

I love your roof! So beachy!

Some option to go more beachy :-))

Thanks to both kind folks who posted pictures. They give me some great ideas to work with!

I would do a river rock bed in place of the grass on the right. in it id do small plantings of agapanthus, Louisiana iris, crocosemia, and hurricane lillies gicving you 8 months of bloom time. to the left id keep it simple. i wouldnt plant anything up against the house but make a raised bed with pinestraw kidney shaped to the left. id olant a small tree maybe a chaste tree in it with liriopie edging and a sitting bench. the chaste tree would evho your color and give depth to your house. the bed would offer some privacy and shade