Hi, Blahheke, what state are you in, or what climate zone? And which direction does the front of the house face (north? West?)

hi telperian. we are in southeast qld in brisbanes bayside. the front of house looks east

thanks heaps for the ideas

How I miss Moreton Bay here in Dubai! I grew up in the Redlands in Brissie and loved planting my 2 new gardens. You have a lovely sized block by the looks of things.

How about deciding on some zones for functionality? Eg entrance/walkways, seating/rest area, areas of visual and/or textural interest. For example statement trees, water features, feature pots etc.

I have always loved the effect of mass planting and tend to use clumping/propagating plants for cost effectiveness.

If I had your place? A statement tree/two, a water feature, plenty of lush plants like Murraya Piniculata (orange blossom) hedge to cover fences and create boundaries/rooms. Also love liriope, agave, rhoeo (moses in the cradle), gingers, flap jacks, gardenia for scent, bird of paradise for big spaces and plants that are hardy and succulent or semi succulent.

I did a whole planting scheme and layout including a dry river bed, a railway sleeper set in stones/ decorative grid pattern with a water bowl on top (which I found the "how to" in a magazine). So much work but so rewarding!!

Create visual interest and ensure you have a place to stop, sit and enjoy!

Good luck!!!

thanks danielle. great ideas! im just stoked i got my turf down to stop that redlands red dirt from coming inside lol

Being tropical you have so much to choose from. You could go for the traditional type (head spinning) garden. This is produced by mass planting. Line that drive way with something like Photenia hedge, brilliant red leaf in spring. Along the front of the house do a mass of low care white agapanthus, these pack a pow visually. If you want lawn, then this limits the rest but it's just a suggestion. Your home is stunning and some time simple but massed gardens are just what you need. Good luck.