Looking great, much warmer. I would put a pathway from the front door with a letter box off to the driveway side of the path. A small tree in either the driveway side of the path or in the other section would be great to add some interest and a focal point. Layer your plants around the tree in different heights to create some depth. If you still wish to keep some grass you could build a small paved edge or rock or block wall around the tree and garden. Personally i don't see the point of grass in front yards as they are rarely used to play on and are a lot of work to up keep. Post a pic when you have finished your landscaping.

Hi Re the location, I would not be putting it in the pillar or cutting it. They are there to give the wall its' strength particularly at the height it sounds like that you have. The letterbox would be better built into the double brick section of wall at a practical /aesthetic location. A simple box such as this from Bunnings can be inserted which will do a double course no problems. Option 1 would be to drill 4 holes from the front straight through at each corner. These locate your corners in the front and back from which you can then use the Arbortech from each side. I am not a fan of hammering old walls as particularly high ones are prone to mortar separation and weakening of the wall. I would rather take the time to cut it regardless of how long I'm at it. Option 2 would be to get a brick cutting company in to cut it for you inc lowering the height then you install it. Cheers

Always check with your council, they mostly like to get cars off the street in the city if the can. It is a great looking house and will be made to look even better when the car yard can be moved to the R/H dead side of your house. Don't do something because it's the cheapest, have a plan and wait until you do have a few spare dollars. It will add big value to your property With 4 cars it looks like you could call on some family man power to do some of the work, and if you have family or friends with trades required to do the job, throw a BBQ but no food or Beers until the works done cheers

I personally don't think the gardens and letterbox are too bad , and I'd concentrate on other areas . The 2 biggest sins IMO is the mushroomy trim in a few small spots , and the garage door . The gutters and barge boards I'd do in an apricotty orange as in will work with the bricks , upstairs and the roof colour . The rest that was mushroomy ( the small wallboard bits and the poles along the front ) I'd do in a crisp white . The garage door may look overdone and mixed periods if you change to a timber one ( cedar or similar ) , so as a first step I'd try and paint it the same muddy khaki brown tone as your bricks -- I don't think that would look too overdone -- it would all blend in hopefully . The gate over the left I'd do in charcoal , then I'd stand back and smile ! In time , you can update the plants , maybe even change and widen the driveway ( I personally have never liked that stamped concrete ) , but keep it all clean and fresh , with a little bit of orange to add personality !