Yes, rake the needles (and gravel) onto the path, before improving the soil, and periodically during the off-season for the flowering plants. They tend to restrict growth and do not add to the appearance of the foliage or flowers, don't you agree? Not sure what does well in your area, but here's a list to take to your garden center that might brighten your day, and cover the ground. Cotoneaster dammeri, Juniperus conferta 'Blue Pacific", Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus", Asperula odorata, Dianthus gratianopolitanus "Bath's Pink", Adiantum pedatum, Ophiopogon japonicus, Parthenocissus tricuspidata or quinquefolia (I forget which one climbs up the trees, but get the other one), Most of the above will do well in any pH soil, so don't be afraid to sweeten it, if advised to locally. I would not plant all these together, but you have plenty of room to match up good companions in each area. Some, like the junipers like a little more sun to make you smile. That should get you started in covering the ground. The local folks will be eager to sweeten the list, I am sure. Enjoy the process. Involve your family and friends. Nobody does it alone.

Do a row of Illawarra Flame trees. It will look so amazing in November! I'm a fan of hedges too. If you do a row of trees, under plant them with a creeper like Westringia (coastal rosemary) that barely needs water. I like the variegated ones. You can clip them into a hedge. Some varieties of grevillea make good ground covers too, but have a look at the ones you like the look of. All so different. All Along the edge of the garden in front of everything, do a row of dwarf Liriope grass. Will look very smart with layers of plants like this. You get the look of a formal garden with all Aussie natives..........alternatively, you could swap out the flame trees and do a row of Canadian maples. They like wet winters and hot dry summers like SA. Will look amazing in autumn.

I think you will have a difficult time achieving a tropical look in Tasmania, and at the same time missing out on one of the best things about living there. The temperate climate. You have access to garden species that those of us in the warmer states could only dream about. Why not use that? I'm not convinced you need a retaining wall anywhere except possibly under the patio. You definately need some bushes between 1-2m in height in that empty garden bed near the port box, to add a bit of visual interest and take away the fisheye effect of the sloping land. You are definately going to need either deciduous or frost hardy species. Off the top of my head these would do well there.... Silver birch, weeping or upright. It's a beautiful tree that loves the cold weather and gives you the added bonus of as much natural sunlight to your home as possible during winter when you need it. Also lovely soft screening that won't become a jungle in the front of your home. Pairs beautifully with Japanese maples for a lovely woodland look. Rhododendrons make a wonderful feature plant with it's spectacular display of flowers. If one of these is too large look to azalea's which are just low growing relatives. Under your deck seems like the perfect location for a Tassie native, the Dicksonia. Come on how could you not grow these?

Hello. I have this raised garden bed either side of my fireplace, which i want to plant a formal style garden in. Id love some design ideas, as my ideas are fairly general, and i would love some bright contrasting colourings. I would also like it to have leaves all year round. It is rectangular in shape and around 6mtrs long by 2mtrs wide.