We recently bought a new home, and it has tons of potential, I just don't know where to begin. We're in North Alabama, and the front of the house gets plenty of sun. The side of the porch has a 3 tier bed, and then I'm left with a long bed in front of the porch. I've got lots of ideas, but just want some more input!

The first thing before even commenting on the landscape is the wood. You must make absolutely sure that that wood is not touching the ground/soil anywhere. It is a full blown invitation for termites. I cannot stress this enough, my husband and I bought a house 5 years ago and we are still treating, cleaning up and replacing the wood. It has been a nightmare. We have found termites in treated wood, even rail road ties the last people used to build beds close to the house, in cedar mulch, and in the floor joists-window frames, even in the ceiling. Yes, the ceiling. It has just been crazy.

Also, you should treat any wood outside with Thompson's water sealer or similar, I have found that even on treated woods, it will make them last longer.

The water/drain pipe that runs down the left side of the house in the 3rd photo, if this were my house I would paint it to match the house color so it would blend in nice.

The plants you choose will depend on what kind of sun you get, I see lots of trees, so assuming shady most of the day? What direction does the house face, north, south? Do you get lots of rain in your area, and if so does the soil in the beds drain well? Where does the rain gutters drain? they may need re-routed to avoid washing out plants. Do you want mostly greenery, lots of color, plants that are useful-like herbs, fruits, ect or just for looks? Do you want plants that you don't have to do much work-pruning, dividing, ect. You need to decide some idea of what you want. Typically shade areas will get hostas, herns, hellebores, mosses, nandinas, woodland phlox, hydrangeas (part sun) ect. Best to drive around the area and see what is doing well for others around there.

Reset all the rocks so they are laying solid and NOT touching the house anywhere.

As Lilly said, spray the wood with a good sealer and I would spray where the wood and rocks are right next to the house.

Do you have an idea what may be planted in those areas already that just have not shown themselves yet?

robertduval14 said:Do you have an idea what may be planted in those areas already that just have not shown themselves yet?

My first question too...biggest mistake I made our very first spring in this house was completely destroying the existing garden without a care in the world of what was in it (ok, lots of hostas that I don't miss but I still wonder).

Giving the amount of time that has passed since the initial post on this thread, I guess you've already managed to make the changes you were looking for.