You need height to counter-balance the height of the building. Small plants will look totally out of place.

I dont know where you reside, or the soil type, both of which are important.

There are lily pillies that would provide an excellent tall screen along the boundary. Many don't require pruning.

The garden bed needs to be at least 1.5 metres wide. You really don't need anything else. Easy care with a strong structured look.

agree with Timanda but you could also save mowing by filling the whole front lawn area with a mixture of shrubs and create a haven for birds outside your window

I think that the current shrub looks like a big blob. Perhaps replace it with something else the same height but softer looking.

The current shrub, for all that it is a big blob, is serving a purpose. It is breaking up a large, bare expanse of wall. It could be removed, but then a lot of thought would be required for replacement. Not just softening.

Big blob! Love it....true though. I'd hedge it down a little further and add some more of it either side, so it is a hedge that runs the full length of the garden. This would give it better balance I think. Is it Muraya Timandra?. This is your most budget friendly option.

If you are up for spending more $$??

-get rid of air con, paint the eaves/gutters- the brown dates the whole look at the moment, re-do the dodgey looking bushrock steps and the front garden. New retaining wall, garden edging and letter box would make a huge difference.

agree with Mel N, the existing steps are so skimpy, either broaden the existing steps or what about a sweeping entry path with minimal steps from near the driveway across through the new garden to the entry?

House look's quite ok, yes window a bit odd.

However I would get a landscape designer in and come up with a simple design. Definitely some Lili Pili's as a hedge to reduce the impact of the wall.

"Blob" is not that bad just prune it back to half its hight and add more greenery or colour it's up to you. I agree with other comments that steps need improving, maybe replacement with something more modern and more substantial and to match the style of the house . At the same time remove stone border around the garden bed.

Agree with all who recommend improving the stairs/access. As they are they'd be dangerous for anyone who isn't sure-footed. They could be both safer and look better. Should be broader, with steps that meet the local code, and with some secure form of hand rail matching code. Compatible landscaping to follow.

I think the consensus is that the hedge needs to change (I wouldn't remove it totally, you need something of medium height to hide the huge brick section below the window). If you had the budget, consider levelling out the lawn in front, on either side of the steps - which should be widened and replaced. The lower edge of the lawn can be held back by a nice retaining wall, with a low hedge in a 'bed behind. You could even put in a gate near the roadside to bring in a feeling of mystery. Plant a magnolia or another deciduous toward the right of the garden (in a position of course, where the roots aren't likely to cause too much damage to the retainer or the foundations); and pop something striking on either side of the courtyard entry.

If your budget permits:

- Lose the AC and replace it with one of the newer wall units (they run better, quieter, and are energy rated!).

- Replace the existing external blinds with something more up-to-date. You can now even get screens that roll down your windows as opposed to jutting out from the wall.

- This brick is not so popular these days, so perhaps a render job and a calming light grey / ash might bring it to life again? Pair this with a darker grey for the guttering and roof tiles to enhance the appeal.

Good luck!

There is sufficient room for a 'line of Silver Birch ........' One needs to consider the eventual width of a tree when planning, not just the height. Planting straight into the lawn is fraught with problems, as the grass looks like kikuyu. Designated beds would be required with proper edging to give a whipper snipper edging for maintenance.

I think the hedge Is camellias?Lovely plants but find somewhere else to put themI hate killing healthy plants.

the awning and aircon unit suggest you get westerly sun?What about planting a tree to give shade and stop the sun hitting the windows and that would give a nice outlook from the window.Plant it 1/2 way between the fence and window.Get nursery advice of what would be appropriate and don't grow a monster.3-4 metres max.

100% get rid off all the rocks in frontof the house (stairs and garden bed,letterbox)The house has real appeal already,has nice clean sharp lines,I would build a low retaining wall in similar face brick to match the house and havea sloping lawn to the retaining wall,no other shrubbery other than the existing hedge.I would have a path from the stairs across the front of the house next to the hedge to join your driveway .The letterbox can be put at the end of your driveway.That existing path and stairs don't have to be there and a big clean sweep of lawn with no tizzy plants will compliment the house splendidly!Oh yes get rid of the air conditioner.

Having another good look at your photo,the retaining wall i suggested doesn't need to be low but could be substansial so it would balance the walls of your house as they are high(in other words your front lawn could be level or a gentle slope to the road.This would present as a terraced lawn to the street,simple but imposing.

definitely remove the "blob". update the a/c. widen steps. paint gutter and eaves. kill the awning. texture coat the brick walls. I would suggest removing the lawn (weed killer or cover it with weedmat and let it die is cheaper than having it dug up and removed), remove the slope by placing a low retaining wall and cutting and filling it, weed mat, underground sprinklers, strategically placed plants - I would suggest agaves, dragon tree, dracenas, a large feature cactus? etc..., 100 mm thick layer of a nonorganic mulch of your liking. reuse the existing rocks amongst the mulch (half bury them). costs are high to set up, then it is very low maintenance, not much watering required. you may wish to consider a water feature or even 3 d wall panels instead of texture coating (pretty similar costs).

I like the idea of a couple of silver birches in front of the brick wall on the left and one to the right of the blob. Cut blob shorter. Add some other lush but varied foliage near blob and to front garden

Other idea row of mop tops across front or beside path

Hi Amy - not sure if you have a budget to consider all of the amazing ideas that everyone has suggested. If not, I would rip that ghastly plant that is being now fondly referred to as the "blob" and plant a strip of colourful sun resistant tall plants or even beautiful iceberg roses. If you plant them now you can have them established well throughout winter. But I think you may want to also shift the focus by hanging some inexpensive and elegant curtains from Spotlight or wherever. Fill in that front garden bed where your house number is with cheerful flowering shrubs and install a stylish letterbox. If however you have a grand budget then, there's no limits to which you can go. Hope this two cents' worth was useful, and Good Luck!!!!!