I would very strongly advise you to take a long lok at a book by Desmond Muirhead entitled Green Days in Garden and Landscape. This publication is quite unique inasmuch as it doesn't tell you to do this or do that. Rather it will give you an idea-or many ideas-relating to the better aspects of residential landscaping. It possibly will give you an entirely new outlook on landscaping.
Best of Luck!!!

The Winter Sowing forum has some great info and pics on the "Instant Beds" post...
also, have you considered native plants, birds and butterflies? How wonderful to have a blank slate to start with (after all that work of course, lol).
A bookstore or library near you may have a book called
Great Garden Shortcuts, worth a look.
Your flower bud

I just redid my front beds last fall. I now have a row in the back of Otto Luyken Cherry Laurels and interspersed in front with cold-hardy gardenias. I picked these for their four-season evergreen appeal and because I wanted something that wouldn't grow up in front of the windows. I think I will be very pleased with the Gardenias and consider them a "southern garden item". Other traditional southern items would have to include a magnolia although they take some space and I ahve no experience with them. Two items that I really like and think are underused are rabbiteye blueberries and serviceberries. Both have edible berries and are medium-sized so they can be worked in. Both are low care and have white spring blooms, summer berries, and beautiful fall color. Look into these and good luck.

TBT