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Our new home..What landlascaping should I do?
Im in desperate need of advice. I'm feeling so overwhelmed.
We moved into this home a few months ago (august) I promised myself in the spring time I would get down to business with the gardening.
Its winter time right now, but i wanted to start doing research and getting an idea of what I could plant, where to plant and what kind of design I should do.
A senior lived here by himself for a while so theres basically no gardens, which is great because i have a clean slate to work with! 
This is along our back deck
This is the side of the yard, its a path way along the fence for school children
this the the front yard. I dont have a better picture of it yet and I cant get it because it is winter http://s384.photobucket.com/albums/oo290/katherinewilloughby/Our%20New%20Home/?action=view¤t=FINALLYOURHOUSE035.jpg
Re: Our new home..What landlascaping should I do?
Wow. I'd change a lot. I'd start by completely removing that deck, and rebuilding a move attractive one. I'd want more detail in the railing, what you have is rather austere. The steps look as if they have just been added. They also seem very steep, almost enough to be hazardous (wouldn't pass inspection here). I would build a new deck and reconfigure it to come out further from the house (rather than the long, narrow shape it seems to be now); more square in shape with (possibly) one half or semi-round side.
I'd consider going with a cottage-garden theme, because the house and the yard are small. I'd build a small stone patio just off the new deck, and keep the lawn area small and surrounded with plants. Nothing formal, just basically organic, natural shapes. The walkways would also be stone, and meander throughout the backyard to a few points of interest (bench, birdfeeder, etc.)
Sorry for the lack of anything specific, I'd have to see more pictures and the property plat. I'd love to design it, though! Best wishes and congrats on your new home.
Katherine, Since I live in the southeast I would have to do a little research as to what is easy in your zone. You can find out by using your search engine or visiting your local full service garden center. Look at what is available (as soon as the weather turns), and ask people there- they'll know. Or, hire a CPLD. That way you get the design AND the plant list, and most of them will build the project or oversee it for you, if you wish. Good luck and happy digging!
I'd line that back fence with Endless Summer Hydrangea, or another hydrangea that will tolerate that much sun.
I'd have some Knockout Roses in that yard, as well.
There are so many pretty things you can put along that deck. I'd lean towards short evergreen shrubs to mask the deck year round, then place some color in front of them based on the season/sun exposure. Annuals and perennials.
Best to take a trip to a garden center to see what will do well in your zone, and what you like. Bring these pictures and have someone help you there.
While there aren't any flowering plants at garden centers right now, I'm willing to bet they have a lot of leftover stock of evergreens/shrubs you can get at a great price. RIght now ours are reduced 80%.
*Realized that after I posted.