Beginner Gardening: I need help redesigning my 25-year old landscaping., 1 by Diana_K

Diana_K wrote:
Here is what I came up with for the front yard.
Omit lawn in the shadier area between tree and front door.
Make a retaining wall below the tree, but not so high that when it is filled the soil will be any higher than it is now on the trunk. One end, to the right in the picture, lines up with where the walkway turns. Then an arc below the tree. Then it heads for the property line, then turns toward the side yard. Plant the area above the wall with plants that thrive in the part shade and are low water use.
Keep the area below the wall (more sun) as lawn.
Blend of grassy looking plants and broad leaf plants, with some especially showy things closest to the walkway (see, I even painted some flowers on them!)
Tall something against the chimney. Could be a vine on a trellis, or a free standing shrub that stays pretty narrow. There are some variegated hollies that might look good. Pick up on the white of the bricks.

Have a look at the local arboretum and ask the experts. They ought to be able to suggest some plants that will work in this area.