The top images are things as they are today.
The bottom image is what things may look like if we add creeping red thyme between the flagstone stepping stones.

It looks like the boomerang lilac bush may hide the planter bench. This project continues to be very difficult. Hopefully, that's just the angle.

Meanwhile, the current landscape designer we're working with has been very responsive to changes: unlike "attention deficit girl" we worked with last year and got nowhere. He's currently looking to source plants we've agreed upon.