Beginner Gardening: Beds in front of my house look aweful...Please help!, 1 by beginner321

beginner321 wrote:
I purchased my house in 2007 and I have been remodeling from the inside out. I have lived with the front of my house looking terrible for way too long. When I moved in the plants that were out front were dead and the beds were full of leaves and rocks so I just removed everything. Now I don't know where to start, I don't want anything that is poisonous to children or dogs as I have both. If someone could give me some suggestions to make the front of my house gorgeous from spring to fall I would be extremely grateful. I live in New York so the plants need to be resistant to cold weather as well. Thanks to all for your help.