Yes we are replacing treated pine with a hardwood this time but I just want to make the right choice. Still it's nice to hear you are happy with it . Anything will be a big improvement I do like the idea of an Australian hardwood that is from sustainable sources though . I gather it's been down a few yrs and you haven't experienced the shrinkage someone else complained of ? Thanks for the feedback . This site is great :)

1 All items and boxes must be labelled, BUT all the destination rooms should also be labelled (except maybe kitchen) because removalists don't know from the first second which is "Kid1 Bedroom" etc. In the case of furniture, it is really worthwhile having a rough floor plan worked out beforehand where you want the furniture pieces. This way removalists can do their job without you having to stand there giving instructions. 2. If you have a big enough car, bring all the important things like coffee machine, boiler, cups, drinks, lunch supplies, vacuum cleaner, as well as documents, cameras, jewellery by yourself. Fill your Esky or camping fridge with the cold stuff from the fridge. 3. Definitely de-junk before you go. OR designate a space in the old house for things you WONT take, and deal with that later. Between now and your moving day, try to consume as much as you can from the fridge. 4. Pre-pack as many things as you can before moving day. Don't skimp on wrapping paper for fragile items. Once we had to move on a really, really hot day. We got everything unloaded into the empty double garage first, and then later moved things into the house. This helped the house stay a lot cooler. Have a good move!

What about Bird of Paradise. Mass planted. They will grow snout 4-5 feet tall itch the flower spikes standing above that. They are as tuff as nails, love tropical conditions. Have an Asian contemporary feel about them. Are very sculptural. Interesting foliage and amazing flowers. You can plant Xanadu philodendrons between that will act like a sub layer and fill in the gaps with their own interesting leaf formations. On that front corner where your stack stone and letterbox are I would keep it low and simple for the posties access. Mini variegated lomandra as that will highlight the darkness of the wall. Try to get in as much good soil as you can before you plant as it looks like it's clay, if so dig in some gypsum. Great soil equals happy plant.

I hated the wasted space of a laundry so much, we opted to put the washing machine in the bathroom. Washing is sorted and folded in the family room, whilst watching TV. Makes the task less dull and from there it can go to the correct side of the house, as the family room is the hub. Ironing is done in front of the TV, where necessary, although the clean washing is removed to each person's room first. Each person does their own ironing as they prefer. I stopped doing it for everybody years ago. If the can cook and clean, they can iron. Linen has specified storage centrally. Each bathroom has storage for towels etc. It was designed around how we like to live, when we built.