In order to get the most out of our small yard, Jason and I interviewed a few different landscape designers, all having more of a modern esthtetic. We settled on Phillips Garden design Tyler Grissman - a fellow northeaster - who seems to really get what we are trying to accomplish. Of course we weren't influenced at all by their incredible office space complete with a Wee House addition and custom metal staircase!
Since the Parade of Homes is rapidly approaching , we met today to discuss the front sidewalk which has to be poured with the next few weeks. Tyler's idea was excellent...it gives us some space to hang out in the front and an offset sidewalk to the house. The rest of the plan isn't complete yet, but its off to a fantastic start. Hopefully we won't have to make too many compromises on the front concrete plan due to budget constraints or can make it work with a "modular" concept of completion.
http://www.phillipsgarden.com/
Newly installed sidewalk (designed by Tyler at Phillps Garden) and sod just before the Parade opened.
View of the house from the city sidewalk. 
Late night planting of the Little Bluestem against the house. We tried to plant the trees ourselves as well (with help from Mom, Nate and Lucas) but quickly realized our limitations to plant trees on a slope. Luckily, Phillips Garden was able to come out the next day to plant the rest of the trees and install the edging.
