We've got some simple shrubs along the front of our one-story brick ranch. Am thinking about having a professional come in and re-design these beds to add more character and color. Obviously the cost would range depending on the landscaper and the plants used.but I have no idea even what type of range re-doing these beds would cost. Also, any resources for planning your own beds (with actual plants and pics, otherwise I find it too overwhelming!) would be appreciated.

How much space are you talking about? And yes, you sort of answered your own question by saying you know the cost will depend on the particular landscaper, and what plant you'll use.

To give you some perspective, My mom had a few plans and estimates done for a house she had. The areas she wanted done were fairly big. She had estimates ranging from about $800 to $8000.

Thinks to think about when you call around, are:

1) Do you want easy, low maintenance? Are you willing to put in a littel time now and then for some really wonderful things? Or would you settle for some less interesting, "durable" plants & shrubs (like the ones you already have) that you can ignore.

2) Do you want flowers? shrubs? Flowers you can cut and bring inside to enjoy?

3) How about trees? - Deciduous? Evergreen? Shade?

Possibly go to a nursery, and take a stroll, with a little note pad. Write down the names of plants that catch your eye. You can bring these up with the landscaper. You may also get ideas about the costs of different things.

Where in the Dallas area can I get flagstone or brick for cheap or free, for landscaping my yard? Where in the Dallas area can I get flagstone or brick for cheap or free, for landscaping my yard?

Here is something that you may not heard of

i would recommend a seperate email account to join any of these groups because depending on the number of members and the area you live the group can be very active

go to yahoo groups..type in freecycle in the groups search box or type in cheapcycle

with these groups you can sell or buy items cheaply in cheapcycle

with freecycle you can get rid of usable unwanted items plus get items you are looking for for free

just take a few minutes to set up a new yahoo mail account then go to the groups...there are groups in all states and alot of cities....once in the freecycle link find your area then state..from there will be a list of cities for each state

i have included a link for your area

pass this on to every one you know...the object of this site is to keep perfectly good items out of landfills and illegal dumps