Guest Post - the Future of the Yard

Here is a sketch of IDEAS ("Plans") from over 1996-2011 ~

Area by the WEST GATE:
1  -  To terrace the slope. 
2  -  Eventually to put a swing on the low branch of the nearby tree and possibly a seat in the shade.
3  -  To make a sort of leveled-up, raised bed (including a Hugelkultur experiment) where the new bushes and trees have been planted. This would incorporate the Honey Locust tree in a nice, round pattern, but we would need help with the "retaining wall" and stonework.  Possibly use railroad ties?
4  -  On the front side of the fence, add yew bushes for privacy. (see "Front Yard" below)

Area by the BACK FENCE:
1  -  To let the grapes grow big and strong, and add a pergola or something to that southwest corner.
2  -  I've always pictured a grotto back there somewhere between the corner and the bend in the rock bed.
3  -  Eventually to move all of the wood pile back inside the yard - this would also allow the gate to be fully opened.

Area by the EAST GATE:
1  -  Bundle up the rest of the Austree sticks (and perhaps also some from the piles in the yard). They make fantastic, convenient kindling wood that way!
2  -  Dad is going to find a place to put the bed liner for the truck. We also need to give away the old basketball hoop.
3  -  When the patio is re-done, I want to incorporate a planter somewhere under the stairs next to it. We need to control the soil erosion there (from the drainspout) as well, which may contribute to the design of the planter. Perhaps some concrete steps also?
4  -  I am partial to keeping the area just dirt as it is.  We do need to give the A/C units air.
5  -  Perhaps eventually a hedge of roses along the grassline?  Or some tall, thin junipers that would be a privacy screen from the house next door?  Latticework is also a possibility along the west edge of the deck (leaving air for the A/C).

In GENERAL:
1  -  Use of natural stones in many places.
2  -  To get seats, benches.
3  -  A possible bird-bath
4  -  Possible walk-way with pea-gravel
5  -  Possibly, possibly, possibly ? moving the rock bed or rearranging

In the FRONT YARD:
1  -  A sidewalk or path of stepping-stones to the front door from the curb
2  -  A flowerbed (raised? Might be difficult with the brick?) under the big north window, and nearby some bushes
3  -  Possibly a trellis on the west side of the porch with climbing roses (from Lettie P.?) or vines...
4  -  Possibly a circular planting around the lamp posts with greenery like ornamental grass and flowers?  Or just a bush next to each?
5  -  Some ground cover on the east slope outside the fence, but something that won't spread into the neighbor's yard...
6  -  Vines going up the telephone pole on the corner?
7  -  Possibly Hostas planted under the trees in the shade.

A lot of the ideas in the front are pending any mudjacking that may be done, etc.

On the WEST SIDE OF THE HOUSE (under the maples)
1  -  Vines up the side of the house?
2  -  Hostas under the tree  -- see above about yews

It seems there have been no lack of IDEAS this past 15 years. I don't expect to accomplish them all, but even if we do half of them, I think it will enhance the yard a lot! God bless it!