I'm working on redoing the front garden bed.  It's a slow process but it's starting to look okay.  I must say your beds look nice with the woodchips and straw but I don't want to do that until I've finished planting which might be a while.  I haven't decided on everything I want to go in there yet.  I want it to be a mixed bed of favourites rather than one of those trendy designer gardens.  Just a messy my garden.