Barbara and Jay Sumerlin of Spanaway have a yard with... well, let's just say "issues." (The phrase "tragic mess" comes to mind, but our trademark lawyers say we shouldn't overuse our soon-to-be legally binding phrase to describe yard drama).

The Sumerlin yard is in transition. They just tore out an above-ground swimming pool. They've got a retaining wall that is more weeds than plants. Their dog, a Great Dane, needs a place to play.

If it were my yard? I'd ditch most of the lawn and replace with planting areas that have dog-friendly rugged perennials that could withstand brushing and exploring from a big ol' dog like a Great Dane. I'd also leave a small strip of lawn for the dog to play. In the raised beds, I'd plant ornamental grasses and a few phormium. I can also see heather and lavender in the raised beds (then I'd call garden designer Sue Goetz and ask her what else I should plant). I would design a small herb garden in one section of the raised bed. You always should grow something you can eat in your yard, right?

So here are pictures of the Sumerlin yard. Tell us, oh-so-wise readers, what would you do if this was your mess?