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!

Hi Aleta1, youre getting down to the nitty gritty of Interior Design now. Choosing the perfect colour involves addressing many issues...size of your windows, orientation of the house, height of ceilings, size of rooms, purpose for room to name a few. If you have the time I recommend getting a sample pot of full and half strength and try it in a couple of corners of each room. That way you can see how the colour looks at different angles. Good luck.

Hi im looking at getting a second hand insinkerator , what brands should I look at ? Is there different motors sizes ? What should I stay clear off ,any special features I should look for Thanks

What sort of look are you wanting to achieve , would be the first thing I'd ask . You bought the house presumably because you like some features . Also , it is of a certain age and style , so unless you spend big dollars , thats always going to be your base . The fence on the left hand side looks to be at least 3 different colours of panels , while the garden shed is another . For the sake of $200 , I'd be tempted to paint the poles and fretwork a dark charcoal , and do the fences and garden shed the same . The darker tone is on trend , but also it wouldn't stand out as much , and keeps to the era and style , particularly of the darker framed windows . A dark classy look , if you like . So then it'll be a bit dark and moody , which a lot of people like , with the bonus of the slightly more upmarket windows and fretwork . You can add dark planters as per Julies suggestion , or you can go for big bright sunny coloured pots . You can even do the front door to match -- a bright orange or yellow set amongst the darker colours will look great , and people won't get lost looking for the door haha .