love concrete aggregate and it look greats mixed with other surfaces (bordered with a brick can be very effective) but first test a few different mixes to include the various colour stones to complement all the different floor colours both inside and out and make sure all the aggregate flooring is completed together (or the mix of aggregate is prepared at the same time) to avoid patches of different mixes

Thanks, Paul. Totally hear what you're saying. We feel stuck between a rock and a hard place. Consulting a designer would have been our first port of call. But we're cautious for very good reason. We did what we thought was the sensible thing and consulted a 'designer' for our internal renovations. We got burned big time. We're fearful the same thing could happen again, when the wrong landscape designer spots the garden illiterate coming too. We simply can't afford to make that mistake again, but understand the consequences of not consulting a designer. Consulting the trades direct does arm us with more knowledge (so we can spot the con artist a little sooner), but we don't want to be time wasting tyre kickers either. We've had some great word of mouth referrals with other trades. But due to lack of exposure or bad experiences, absolutely no-one can recommend a designer or landscaper. That in itself makes us a bit nervy.

Hi Andrew, They look like marble, but a concreter would be able to achieve something similar by pouring large steps or alternatively you could use extra large pavers to get a great result, timber or pavers artistically integrated into the turf, love the lighting to define them also, a few ideas for you

Since this is western facing I think it's important you keep a screen much like the one you have. In winter it seems too shady but come summer you will be glad for the coverage from hot afternoon sun. Perhaps the best solution for you is a deciduous tree screen which gives you the warmth in winter for the pooches and shade in summer when you want it. A good candidate would be chinese redbud in a dwarf variety, it won't get too big but will give you lovely blossoms and wonderful shade in summer. Given the height of your fence I think you will struggle with turf. It will likely become patchy and won't be a good investment. May I suggest zoysia as a good alternative? It's a low clumping grass that's perfect for a shady position. Often used in Japanese style gardens this would provide a lovely grassy area for your dogs but never needs mowing and grows well in your shady position. It's also far more interesting to look at than regular turf. Under the tree screen you have the option for many types of understory shrubs that can either give you floral display, fragrance or just a nice evergreen feature. Here are some good options. For something fragrant, cheap and fast growing try star jasmine. It likes sun and shade and comes in this stunning tricolour too. Year round prettiness on a budget and very easy to grow. It can even be clipped into a foot high hedge and yes gives fragrant flowers all spring and summer. Or there are the ever popular azalea's which aren't difficult to grow as long as you shade them from hot afternoon sun. Your space can be more than just a dog patch. It can be a very pretty zen garden too that you could all enjoy.