Thanks kirstensomers, first up I'll take it that North is to the right of your first picture. A few other thoughts pop to mind: You're being very kind to neighbours if you put a bed along the pool fence as I figure you can't actually see it much from your house. I would suggest letting the pool fence run to lawn. You'll get enough sun to do it as it's facing east. You have to mow that verge anyway, and it would be great for guest parking! You could focus your efforts and $ instead on doing both sides of your lovely wide driveway. I would never usually say this but I almost feel as though the tree closest to the driveway should go. It doesn't provide useful shade in that position. It partially blocks the view from that balcony. Also, the two trees on that side make the garden seem very unbalanced. A single remaining tree could claim its rightful place as the magnificent feature tree. If you went for the chop on one tree it leaves you with a nice amount of space to plant beds on both sides of the driveway and allows for better views if that's what you prefer.That's option 1. For option 2 you could of course take the opposite view and decide to balance out those two trees by planting one large tree on the other side of the driveway! It all hinges on whether you prefer looking into the tops of your trees or prefer looking at whatever you can see from your house. Personal choice for sure. Either way, the driveway would get morning and midday sun. The sun would reflect off the concrete. I'll bet you score the sea 'breeze' there too. Tough gig. I'm with Timandra Design and Landscaping as this is the perfect environment for natives and those that act like them. As to plantings? Option 2 is easier. What type of trees are they in the picture? Plant one of them then under plant with hardy dietes or agapanthus until the shade grows in. Option 1 opens up other possibilities. Modestly sized trees would seem to be the go. Rows of Callistemon King's Park Red marching up both sides of the drive attracting all the birds? Olive trees for their silvery foliage? Once you have decided the area and height for plantings you can go to some fine nurseries that specialise in natives and their mates. Nice way to spend a couple of hours! I hope you have much fun with your garden. It's so exciting to put in all that work then watch your efforts multiplied by nature. Good luck!

Pools on steep gradients are not impossible to build. Rather they cost more, as the side walls of the pool are generally built out of reinforced blockwork above ground. We have designed a number of pools that are above ground on steeply sloping sites. One pool was 5m above the ground! Being close to a canal, the footings of the pool may need to be piered to ensure adequate ground support. Its hard to make further comment without knowing more about your site conditions. The first photo shows a pool that is 3m above the ground on a very steeply sloping site. The second photo shows the pool that is 5m above the ground also on a steeply sloping site.

Thanks Ill, our pool was a difficult shape and position so the best solution for us was the lovely timber which does have a small gap between it and the pebble crete so helps with sand and dirt but leaves will always find their way in especially if you trees nearby. It looks lovely, we use a long handled gadget with a rectangle pad to recoat every six months depending on weather. We have changed to British Paints Aqua Deck which does a better and less expensive job. Also be careful with any use of real timber up to the edge of the pool as it can leech out and stain your pool. cheers

Tiling over the top is the short-term solution that has long term problems. Looks great until there is any movement, expansion or cracking in the pavers below the tiles. If you are spending the money on a new pool surround make sure it is going down on a stable substrate that will last decades. The key to selecting the right pool surround material is to select materials that are not affected by pool chemicals, have some non-slip properties, and work well with edging. I always look at concrete pavers first for pool surrounds, as they are hard-wearing and cost effective. You will find that the colours and types that are available vary from state to state. Natural materials, such as bluestone, are more expensive, and need more skilled and expensive labour to install. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls