I have also decided that I want to rip out the bushes (or small trees?) in the far back corner. This will eliminate the need to keep pruning them back, and allow me to put something more useful there. Perhaps a goji berry plant, or other berry bush. I'm not sure yet. Perhaps rhubarb would enjoy that spot. More research and thought is needed.
I'm looking forward to Tony's first paycheck this Friday (new job - yay!). I have plans to buy some construction bricks and a cubic yard of black dirt to set up an 8-foot by 5-foot raised garden in the front yard. This will give me the chance to play in dirt while I anxiously await the larger (and more expensive) project that is our in-ground garden in back.