First, clean it up and/or clean it out. Clearer, close up pictures posted again here or on the Name That Plant forum could identify what you've got quickly and tell you what's worth saving and either replanting in the planter or elsewhere in the yard.

A head on full picture of the whole yard, taken from the street would be helpful, too.

Nice brick, nice Craftsman-style house. Where are you and what direction does the house face?

Does the house face south?are you from Z6?I change the sidewalk,the bed ...all,you select.you could check in my pics in other thread too.

This a other design opinion.

Are you there Sarah? You can ignore the Disney land renditions but karin asks some pertinent questions and this way creativity lies. It is an interesting house and I think you could go beyond even "complimenting" to accentuating. Clean it out and post some more pictures.

Please ignore inkognitos rudeness. Sadly this childishness continues on.

I agree with Deluth's suggestion of finding out what you have the may be worth using elsewhere. The covered patio screams, come stay awhile and visit. Your house is very cute as is in it's very rough stage of landscaping. When you're all done it will look magnificent.

I like Design's rendition with a small ornamental tree in the front. How wonderful to look out from your covered patio. I would do fewer under plantings though.

A pic of the house straight on would be nice too. Are you looking at only plants or are you open to hardscaping changes?

This forum have improved some,post any pics easily.
aloha2009,thank you for the comment.there are tired something sometime for many years.I always ignore it.
don't cut this thread interesting,I continue.

I like add a patio too.

Design the OP's covered porch doesn't need an additional patio in front. I commented on the tree because besides enhancing the brick as requested, a tree in front would enhance the view from the inside for those sitting on the porch.

Still hoping Sarah will post additional views.

Just some advice,or is it nice adding a J-maple?

curl line wrap it.

other ideas.