This project has just begun...We need to fill out the front gardens, adding some balance from side to side...

Left front bed...we'll be adding some plantings to balance better with the right side...

Hiding behind those boxwoods is an ivy draped shed...we'll take the sad boxwoods out and decorate the shed for a fun focal point...

We'll also be adding some privacy to the backyard with some clever screening and making a focal point out of the built in stone fireplace...so fun!

Weeds can come in various forms...this weed tree was crowding the side yard, and the air conditioning compressor!

Initially the homeowners thought we should remove the built-in stone fireplace...Instead, we decided to uncover it and use it as a feature!  It took some serious pruning, but we found it...can you?

If there is one thing to learn in the garden, its that!  We renewed the existing azaleas by trimming them back, we reused the hosta and pachysandra by dividing them and transplanting them, and we recycled a long-forgotten outdoor barbecue into an amazing outdoor fireplace...total cost for materials < $5.00 (for grass seed)!!

Well, I don't imagine I'll be allowed to sit around and watch the grass grow...Instead, there are shrubs to be purchased and installed...
The homeowners want a natural screen to grow behind the fireplace...so, will it be an evergreen or a glossy-leaved skip laurel?...ah, decisions decisions...

As you may recall, we wanted to fill out the front gardens without getting too symmetrical or matchy-matchy...

So...we added some Otto Luyken Cherry Laurels and some japanese hollies...

In doing so, we extended the front left garden to make it a bit deeper -- notice the "hose line"...we also added punches of color with some perennials!

Life is too short of have a toxic relationship with a tree!  The old magnolia tree was lovely but the homeowners grew tired of "raking in the summer" and "tripping on the seeds"...can't say I blame them!  Now you can see their wonderful house and the kids will have more room to play!