Need to do a bit of a revamp and replace some larger shrubs that died.

I am in Dallas.

I need simple and low maintenance.

I was going to replace a few what i think are yews on the left side of the yard. I had a few die I ripped out, maybe freeze maybe lack of water as that sprinkler section was not working and I did not realize it.

I was then going to throw some sage in the far right corner with maybe something shorter in front.

Anyone have any thoughts or tips?

Those appear to be Japanese yews from previous experience. Personally, I like them as specimen plants, not grouped. I would dig up one of those and plant it in front of the column on the left and reposition another in front of the column on the right. I would just get rid of the third one unless I had another spot for it in another area (corner of the house and plant a matching plant at the other corner possibly). Keep the Yews trimmed for an upright growth habit and they will be 6 feet plus in short order.

It looks like those beds need some organic material like a bedding mix turned into the existing soil and then a 2-3 inch layer of mulch. Regarding shrubs, you might consider some Japanese Boxwoods. They are evergreen and are both cold and heat tolerant. They do need regular watering. They do need trimming/shaping once or twice per growing season. They can be shaped into square hedge or rounded off individually (my preference). Electric or gas powered hedge trimmers are best although you can use hand operated shears.

For color from early spring to late fall, consider drift roses. They are low growing and bushy, they need to be cut back extensively in late winter (like two thirds) and to a lesser extent in late fall. They are very hardy and bloom profusely in decent conditions. If you want something taller, consider Knockout Roses. Again they are very hardy and bloom non-stop from early spring to late fall. Cut back 1/3 of their length in late winter along with eliminating crossovers and dead branches.

For a fragrant, flowering evergreen shrub, consider 'frost proof' Gardenias. I've had very good success with these.

For a low growing (6 inches) wide spreading (18-24 inches) flowering ground cover, consider creeping phlox. It is quite hardy and produces a prodigious amount of flowers.

Day lilies and agapanthus are easy growers and prolific bloomers. My wife orders new varieties every year from Breck Nurseries in Holland but you can probably find plenty in your local nursery.

For large areas, consider Lantana. Very hardy, a prolific bloomer and attracts pollinators.

How much sun do these areas get? I have gone through a huge amount of learning the past couple years and sun level, soil quality play a huge role.

For shady spots I have had great luck with: Lariope, Foxtail ferns, Turks caps. Japanese boxwoods, pittosporums. All are perennials and evergreen (except Turks cap and foxtail).

For sunny spots I have had great luck with: pentas (annual), lantanas, roses

Thanks for the long responses.

Probably 3/4 sun on avg. House faces the south but have some tree cover.

I am leaning towards just ripping out the yews on the right and starting over with something else.