@Susannah, we don't live in a drought area. Natural rainfall will take care of watering. When nature fails, as she does quite often i'm thinking our garden hose shall do the trick. What's very true though, since gardening is our second language i would need advice from local nursery as best type of plant to use in our area

Perhaps check with your local council to see if they have a plant list. Many councils here in NSW do this to assist homeowners with choosing native Australian plants and some introduced plants that grow well and are in keeping with the area. Of course it depends on the look of your house and whether your landscaping plan will compliment that, or whether you want a manicured look, or a natural look, cottage garden look (e.g flowers and hedges) or a beachy look (e.g. if you have a pool) and so on. Fruit trees sometimes need a different aspect to other trees, so separating food trees from general foliage is something to consider. Oleanders are off the list in many parts of NSW too. We recently put a fence in similar to yours but it has been painted black as our house is modern. We've been advised on lomandra, banksia and grevilias and lili pillys for a native garden as we already have lemon scented gums and ironbarks on the property. If you consider the building style of your home, and the trees common to the area you're in, sometimes that can give some inspiration

Succulents are the way to go. Lots of different varieties & colours available. They can tolerate full sun better than most other plants.

Hi Cheryl, What about using Succulents in your vertical garden? Succulents are ideal for areas that are very hot and receive direct western sun in Queensland. They will have the best chance for survival. Some suggestion for plant species to use: Aptenia cordifolia Rhoeo Hawaiian Dwarf Echevaria Species – Assorted colours and varieties Sedum Species – Assorted colours and varieties Senecio Varieties- blue chalksticks Plant in group plantings to give a bigger impact This video may help? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHLyfp8PZ8k From Alison Lead Designer @ CityscapesPoolsandLandscapes