potential hedge area

front of the porch

left side

Please add the most important photo -- the one taken from farther back that shows the overall house face, some space at each end, and the whole front yard.

I think your potential hedge area does not have enough room for a hedge.

The hedge area is about 34" deep.
I will post more photos tomorrow! thanks everyone.

Yardvaark, what did you mean when you said "some space at each end?"

I took a bunch of photos. My house is a corner lot, so it is sort of awkward. Thinking about planting trees or hedges along the fence line as well. All just in my head thus far.

another of the front.

This post was edited by thunder_dd87 on Thu, May 22, 14 at 20:33

closer view of the side.

sort of the view you get driving past our house. Not really loving the curb appeal.

another

along the fence.

thunder,
I would definately plant a tree right in the middle of the front lawn. You probably get alot of sun most of the day there, and the tree would provide needed shade.
You can plant a decideous tree now.
Just not too close to the house, and get something that doesn't get too big.
How much work are you willing to do?
Seriously, are you one to work on your yard on the weekend no matter how hot it is?
I would plant some evergreen shrubs where the brick drives you crazy, arborvitea globe comes to mind, but there are many others.
Congrats on your house! It's beautiful!
Remember, it will take years to get it to look perfect, and then you may change your mind and start over again....

I would seriously consider widening the walkway approach as it turns toward the front door to the full width of space marked by posts. At minimum, back off the gardening in that area and return it to turf. It's very pinched with the beds closing in like they are.

butterfly, thanks for your input! When you say middle of the front yard, do you mean looking at the house straight away, or from the oncoming road--more toward the right of the house? And yes, I'm totally willing to work in the sun for hours. Suggestions on trees that won't get too large?

Yardvaark, wow, thanks! I never even thought of that but it makes perfect sense to widen the walkway from the mailbox up toward the house. It would definitely make it more inviting and less maze-like.

There is so little room between the walk and the garage a tightly clipped architectural shrub might be your best bet near the corners. (A perennial that doesn't get too tall or sprawl is another possibility.) Here are a few more ideas...