As a minimalist I would forego all plants, put in a low wall and use slumped glass or preferably glass block. This would let in the light and also make a cosy seating area in winter. I've found glass block to be a wonderful insulator on a west facing wall - warm in winter, but keeps out summer heat too. This would also extend your living area, keep out flies and mozzies, and prevent you seeing that awful roof next door. You could also take the shadecloth off the windows leading on to that deck, which would be a bonus. I'm not a fan of shadecloth, and would always look for an alternative solution

We've used lilly pilly's successfully as hedging plants. They've got beautiful glossy leaves and grow fast. If you're selling and your budget allows it, buy mature ones, you can get them around 1.5-2m tall, plant 2 in each planter box for an immediate hedge or one in each. I think one is enough because it will give the idea of a screen without adding extra costs to you and sometimes the communication of an idea or the intent of an idea is enough for sellers. Hope that helps! Good luck Samantha. Sense of Style Interiors xo

Hi Paul, On your garage side, you could get really creative and plant and shape plants to add a real stylish look, could look great and would be easy to maintain with just an annual clip and could give a fab designer look to your lovely house.

Hi Ginger , I'm in New Zealand , and the suggestions I would make if your house was here in NZ or Australia would be that there's nothing wrong with the house itself , I like the colour and style . What I would focus on is 'the rest' . The garden looks a bit new and a bit plain -- personally , I'd do a big colourful glazed pot , at least 60cm tall and wide ( 2 ft ) in your favoured blue or red or burgundy or green or similar , and have it 'in' the garden near the footpath ( you might need to move 1 plant ) . Maybe something unusual -- a bamboo or cactus or 3 or 4 small plants ? In the main garden , add some variety too -- a brown flax , a shrub with red leaves , 3 or 4 low yellow grasses ? The pergola over the door I like -- white rails and uprights , maybe a slightly sloping clear plastic roof -- it would tie in with the door , the windows and the look and era . The fences I would stain charcoal -- that would fade and weather well , and although 'black' ( charcoal ) , yellow and white is pretty cliche'd , it would work , and hopefully be different enough to make your place stand out from all the copying neighbours haha .