For my birthday weekend the Olive Dudes removed the shrubs - roots and all! And then removed the non-landscaping rocks that we assume were some prior resident's attempt at creating some flower beds. And they trimmed the shrubs in the patio area. 

 Now the HOA's management company asserts these shrubs were in the common area and wants us to replace them at our expense. For the life of me, I have no idea where we can buy diseased plants as replacements. 
Their assertion that these shrubs were in the common area is crazy. If they were, then why didn't the lawn / landscaping service tend to the beds and treat or deal with the diseased plants?  We did the HOA a great service by removing the dying shrubs and vastly increased the aesthetics of the area as noted by our neighbors.
  

From the HOA rules:
UNSIGHTLY OR UNKEMPT CONDITIONS
It shall be the responsibility of each Owner to prevent the development of any unclean, unhealthy, unsightly, or unkempt condition on his or her Unit. The pursuit of hobbies or other activities, including specifically,without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the assembly and disassembly of motor vehicles and other mechanical devices which might tend to cause disorderly,unsightly, or unkempt conditions, shall not be pursued or undertaken on any part of the Property.

LAWN MAINTENANCE
All grounds are maintained by the Association. If you would like to maintain some of your own landscaping, you must fill out a Landscape form available from the Management Company and return it to the office. If you choose to attend to any part of your lawn or landscaping and fail to maintain such in an attractive and pleasing manner, keeping beds free of weeds and debris, the Association will resume its duty to provide such services.

Diseased / dying plants infested with bagworms

Really? Really - we've been asking that these diseased bushes be removed for more than a year. Not only were they ugly - they are infested with bagworms  (that could spread to many other plants in the community) and were fire hazards. As we approached firecracker season I became increasing  concerned that a stray bottle rocket or other firework falling on one of these would ignite them and being to close to the townhouse and fence could easily spread to our unit and building.

patio area at our new home is not aesthetically pleasing
Not sure what the original concept was with these non-landscaping rocks used for edging but they make upkeep such as weeding and planting new plants a nightmare..
Hoping to transform this with flowers, herbs and veggies. Some square foot garden beds, container gardening and perhaps some vertical gardening on the fence. Plus an area for seating & a small table. Gonna scout the community to see what others have done with their patio areas.
Would love to see some of the common grounds turned into a community garden here..

More pictures