Thank you. Corten steel Leaf sculptures by Lump Studio, Melbourne. We love their work. www.lump.com.au

I quite like the concept of the garage timber thingy but the style you show is too 'colonial' for your house. You could have something more contemporary made to suit however. You could also put a modern pergola in front of the garage that joins onto the pillar outside the front door and grow something over that. The garage door looks lighter than the render which makes it pop more so I would paint the render the same colour as the door. I might even render the bricks which I'm not in love with but you only need do this at the front. Plant something low and bushy along the front where the gravel is. I planted lavender bushes to soften the front of my house and keep them well pruned. It made an amazing difference. Replacing the garage door with one with windows would cost about 4 grand and would make a little difference I guess but not substantial.

Hi Astri. I am in Canberra and have nineteen trees in our garden. How big is your block? Which way does it face for solar access? Do you have any power lines or easements to consider? What plans do you have for dealing with the autumn leaves? I'm not quite sure what you mean by a gatehouse and arbour on the fenceline but have you checked the regulations for structures on your boundary? Where do you want to plant the hedge and what is the width?

that's actually a cool idea! except behind the wall is the hallway to the bathroom and I would like to keep the natural light flowing through to there and the bedroom hallway on the right. would you keep it as is or remove the timber? it's a bit of a weird feature and everyone comments on it when they first see it!