Agree with the majority... use hearty plants , that love the dry hot conditions... don't worry you have plenty of choices and colours so there will be colour ! A good organic soil that has been turned well! Plenty of good water between days that at hot... But most of all , your mulch is the key factor here if you don't use a good one , all will end and quickly ... some mulch tend to disappear quickly , some seperate in large water drenching . Because you are on the slope maybe try running Hardwood timber palings from end to end in around 3 sections to stop the mulching sliding . And my choice of mulch Hardwood Chip , not mulch but chip lasts for a bloody long time ! I'm a cabinet maker via trade but love green thumbing

If you want to make the house hotter, then painting the roof charcoal will certainly achieve that. Repointing the brickwork is the most sensible from a maintenance perspective. Once you render and paint, then you have to keep painting (and it's likely to be out of fashion sooner or later). Try to keep passive cooling in mind (i.e. light colours & permeable landscaping) with any of your renovations, and I think it always pays to try and embrace and compliment the original architecture and be unique, rather than trying to look like the latest project home. In my opinion the arch window is actually quite cool, and the excellent mock-ups provided by Geo Toria are along the right track.

Hi Marie, I'm not a pro, but I had a similar dilemma a few months ago when I was renovating my home & garden. Wasn't sure which style I want exactly, but wanted it to look modern and sleek but not to be expensive. Pinterest helped me a lot with creating mood boards with selections of plants, colours, other interesting elements. When I planed it all out, I started a hunt for the plants, furniture and stone tiles. That's where the complications started. I couldn't find anything that will match my vision, something was always missing. Then I decided to call the pros. I called the local company for landscaping in North Shore that helped me plan my backyard in no time, for a price that is I would say, more than reasonable. I recommend you to ask pros for tips, at least a consultation. They are well informed where any type of the material can be found as well. Good luck!

As a concept , I love the innovation but also the consistent approach you've taken . And on a practical and visual level , I love the timber and greenery , along with the industrial feel . An awesome 'business card' !