I would suggest paving from the new bi-fold doors out to the pool and a deck around to far side of pool, and attach to rendered wall if structurally sound. Add pots /urns and plants to deck and even pots mounted on walls. Remember pool fencing and access.

The levels between the pool and house and pool and boundary need to be resolved, as correctly pointed out by Timandra Design.

This isn't easy to advise over the internet as we can't see all the elements of your garden.

You need to create a balance of usable space and garden to soften the harder elements and help create atmosphere around your pool and in your garden.

I strongly suggest you pay a professional garden designer for advice - www.aildm.com.au. This may be in the form of a consultation for a few hours or a plan which addresses all the aspects of your landscape.

Best wishes

Arthurwww.arthurlathouris.com

I agree with the points everyone has indicated and would generally agree that ideally using professionals at every step of a project is ideal, it's seldom practical for financial reasons.

Malcolm, check with the contractor about the levels, if it's a mistake - make them fix it or give you a reduction so that you can landscape accordingly.

As is, think [tiered deck[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/summit-house-tropical-pool-brisbane-phvw-vp~1263227)s with cut outs where you have smaller gardens of plants and ponds that break up the decking . You can use a series of outdoor mirrors [see this link for example[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/kitchen-remodelling-in-south-bristol-midcentury-exterior-phvw-vp~1126052) to open up the space and make your backyard feel bigger then it is. In the "cut outs" think about tiered planting of tropical looking plants and ponds where you can have water plants and fish if you wish.

Think about a glass pool fence to keep the visual link all through your backyard.

Good luck.

I'd have to disagree about the 'seldom practical for financial reasons' statement.

If Malcolm is spending many thousands of dollars on paving, ponds, decking, retaining, planting etc then some sound on-site advice can can result in far more than the cost of the consultation.

eg Malcolm can spend $20000 and end up with a disappointing result or unforeseen problems (eg pool at the odd level is a case in point) or he can spend $20000 plus consultation or design fee and end up with a wonderful well thought out practical and aesthetic result.

Arthur that's your opinion and for the record, while I'm not against using landscapers or garden designers if you've got the money and little idea or skill in how to implement an idea or lack a rudimentary knowledge of gardening I do know from my friends, family and colleagues - is that the vast majority of people do have limited funds when doing home improvements and seek ideas for looks from multiple sources when thinking about our homes - and yes, while some lack the confidence or skill sets to implement ideas, I don't think that Malcolm indicated that he was lacking confidence - just looking for ideas.

Happy February down there. We just had another snowfall, only an inch this time, two weeks ago we were blessed with 36 inches (a meter of snow - ouch).

I agree with bits and pieces of the above. The simplist would be to deck the entire area, with lots of interest in the woodwork, as georgio suggested. To reduce costs, have someone design the carpentry, install all the support posts and beams, and let you do all the decking and handrails.

Because everything is so rectangular, I would want to see a series of artful curves, and steps that are indirect.

Consider that the rush to the pool is incidental compared to all the other activities to be considered in that small space. Ask each member of the household to write out their individual desires for activities not present in the back yard, and that all wishes will be considered valuable to consider.

Perhaps you wish to add some more of that handsome fencing to add security, so you don't have to be constantly on guard when family or friends are present.

The vegetable and herb garden can be just as happy in large planters or in individual containers on the decking. Plain terracotta pots will blend in better than the more decorative glazed beauties.

If planting trees for shade, the evergreens will cause less of a leaf problem in the pool.

analyze first, then plan