There are a few bamboos that fit the bill, including Bambusa 'Alphonse Karr' and Bambusa textilis 'Gracilis' (slender weaver). Check out this site for bamboo info http://mrbamboo.com.au Facing north the bamboo will require a lot of water, and can look dry in summer. It is beautiful though. The suggested species get to about 4m. You can prune them if you are dedicated. Otherwise hedge and front plant, or a climber if you construct some form of support.

The top tier where the tree used to be will have artificial turf for the kids. The area I want to plant is behind the bench seat. I am going for a contemporary feel I suppose. I like the idea of slender weaver bamboo to screen but the not sure I want something that high or how hard it is going to maintain to the look I want. Was wondering what tiger grass or maybe strelizia would be like also. I want to grow along the fence and not something too bulky growing out from the fence. Then possibly some grasses at the front.

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.

I’m part way through a backyard reno and have finished out gazebo. Was mainly just updating. We have used new tech timber in a lighting colour (composite decking) plus we have pavers around the pool (to replaced with new pavers soon). I think you can mix the two if similar tones. Our decking gets unbelievable hot. Not sure of your climate but we are in Perth. The decking in the gazebo doesn’t get any direct sun in summer so it isn’t a problem but we have a decked area off the back door and by lunchtime you can’t sand on it for more than a few seconds. I wouldn’t recommend it for around a pool. I will be making sure our new pavers are light enough in colour to be coolish under foot. We pulled up pavers to put in grass as it was very hard and hot, although it comes with it’s one drawbacks. Our gazebo has a small area with sink, fridge and a TV (rollershutter covers it when not in use) and we have used shutters to keep weather out so it can be used in all seasons. Wishing you all the very best