mini makeover lV - front yard

This is not the most amazing makeover but it is one step closer to getting our front yard in shape. Although it does not look like a lot of work it took us three weekends to get from from the overgrown yard to its current state. Still need to trim the cherry tree and the lilac on the left side of the house. Might have to research when the best time for this will be first, so it might not happen until the fall or even next spring. We decided to take out the bushes and the two arborvitae trees in front of the bay window because they were planted way to close to the house. The roots might damage the foundation of the house slowly but surely. First we cut down the big bush and one of the arborvitaes with a hand saw. This was a bit too labor intensive so we bought a reciprocating saw to help us cut the remaining trees/bushes. I have to admit I am in love with the new saw and besides using it on our garden project I already used it for another mini makeover in the house. In addition to the saw we also bought a weed whacker and all I can say is hurray for power tools! After taking down the bushes we tried digging up the roots, it worked for three of them but there are still four big clusters of roots left. Hopefully they will start to die off and rot so we can plant new flowers/bushes next year. Right now the house looks a little bit naked with all the plants gone.

Another big item on our to-do list for revamping our houses curb appeal is repainting the fence. After cutting out the too frilly for us ornamental pieces we had left the spots exposed to the elements which left us with rusty spots wherever something was cut out. Three weeks ago I finally started prepping the fence for a new coat of black paint. First I brushed off all the loose and chipping paint with a metal brush, as well as cleaning the rusty spots. Once I had the rust off the fence I gave those spots a quick coat of paint. Still need to give the driveway gate and the railing at the stairs the same treatment. Before giving everything the final coat of paint we need to scrub the rust spots off the concrete, which unfortunately formed after leaving the fence rusty for too long. Might need to rent a power washer for this...

The dead plant in the pot on top of the stairs was replaced with a big pot of colorful flowers. It is still far away from being finished but it looks a bit more maintained now. 

We have not made any decisions what we want to plant next year in front of the bay window and below the cherry tree. Underneath the tree currently is just a patch of dirt with weeds. Because we are a little bit challenged when it comes to plants and yard work any suggestions are greatly appreciated. 

Have you been cutting, digging or weeding in your yard lately? Are you enjoying the yard work or are you more like me who loves to hang out in a nice yard but does not really enjoy the work that comes with it?