Where is north in this photo? It looks to me as though the area in question is fairly shaded so a lot of the above options wont work if the area is on the southern side of the home, especially because of the winter shade. The space gets afternoon sun - in summer or winter? There are shadows from trees - are these deciduous or evergreen? Clay can vary enormously from being plasticine like to clay with rocks or stones in it. This will have an enormous bearing on the plants that you can use, precluding plants like westringias that require very good drainage. A plant that is as tough as old boots that will grow in both sun and shade [with some sunlight during the day] is Buxus microphylla var japonica varieties, while Aucuba japonica [Gold dust plant] or even some of the native lomandra grasses would work well. The first two can be grown as a hedge with the latter choosing a variety that you like [ there are so many], but have the plants all the same - don't mix them up. These will all grow in some shade, will grow in clay as well if it isn't too poorly drained. It does appear as though the area is sloping ever so slightly away from the house which is good. But I would steer clear of paving - unless its needed for access etc, it will look patchy and pointless - use plants instead to make your picture - its far more sustainable. Alison

Is it a dwarf flowering gum or a big one? Many gums affect the ground beneath them, not allowing other plant competition to grow there...except azaleas, rhododendrons and other acid loving plants can do well. Another idea is to think of some native grasses, there are some excellent decorative cultivars now that are very hardy too. Some of the small lomandras could be planted in clumps of varying heights and colours, also dianella silver streak would be pretty.

Callistemons and grevilleas are tough and have lovely flowers, as well. Kangaroo paws in between could look nice, and myoporum parvifolium underneath will keep the weeds down. They should all cope with your climate, but wander around the neighbourhood, look at what is in the nursery, talk to the nursery staff (especially the older or more knowledgeable ones).

I would need advice on what feature trees to choose for my front yard and what trees to be planted for my back yard (would prefer some fruit trees in the back yard) and also suggestions on what small plants and shrubs to be planted for my ground cover.. Thank you