Thank you. Yes I do like the sound of a charcoal colour but am hoping it won't dominate the look of the house and make it look to dark. Cheers

What about random/crazy paving the driveway to match what was on the pillars. Second choice the new light coloured pebble crete, exposed Ag as it's now called ,guess it depends on your budget., this is a very simple effect and the house would still be the star

Hello Anna , Camellias are a beautiful tree and they come from the cooler regions of Asia and are more suited to a humid / cooler conditions. I have them on the southern side of my home here in Sydney where they have protection from the hot sun . Flowers will burn as will some leaves from hot winds and dry conditions are not really to their liking . I’m not saying they won’t grow, they will but will struggle and need to keep roots moist . They become quite broad and will eventually brush against cars etc as your driveway is narrow . Crepe myrtles are from India originally and the warmer Asian countries. They do lose leaves and with this comes a change of view as the leaves turn a bright orange/yellow and give you completely different look . After this the tree will be bare for a few months exposing the stunning bark ( more mature trees ) that you just cannot walk past without touching . Then in spring the new growth is like green ! They don’t really NEED to be pruned but you will get lots more flowers . As you are using this in a driveway i would just let the grow naturally and as a narrow, tall ish tree =. Great for drive way . Let me take a picture of mine here in Sydney . I will send it next . Also , as you are driving around your area keep an eye out for trees that catch your eye , ask your local nursery man , if you have one . Crepes love hot dry areas and will not need watering at all after established . That’s why some councils in nsw use them as nature strip trees = low care !! Most important of all ...... enjoy yourself !! Gardening very rewarding

Can you post a pic of house so we can see colours it sits in and the roof