https://www.houzz.com.au/ideabooks/28074748/list/exotic-plants-for-frosty-gardens I had saved this link previously with some nice tropical plants that could survive in a colder environments and there are some nice ones here. I love the Pineapple Lilly. Oh and the strawberry tree is gorgeous too.

Hi petapea, the phal orchids, I have killed more that two but now have one with three stems of buds and I am pretty happy with myself... I went to an orchid fair..advice was plant them in blue metal. Yes blue metal!!! I mixed some spagnum moss and charcoal through my blue metal. I water only when blue metal not looking dark. We have been going through a cool spring so about every two to four weeks. They sit in a north facing window and when I water I using strike back for orchids liquid fertiliser every third of fourth time just water to flush. It has taken two to three years and many sad phal deaths to succeed

Thank you so much for your advice, in particular to bigreader and Julie Herbert. Here's a photo but note Im awaiting all that timber to be removed and daughter yet to sweep up the potting mix. I tried a blue one on each side as well but it didn't look quite right. I actually think 2 on each side might be enough. Note, in the big pot on left is a ground cover that will sprawl and out and done pot all going well. Do you think/Any suggestions for anything else I could do in this area? I'm still getting used to colour of mat. Now for the back door. Ive put some pots there that I had painted a light grey. Im wondering if they dont provide enough contrast with deck. Your thoughts? I was going to put a buxus in the one on the right (purely because they're are numerous in garden I can poach).

I love Julie's ideas of succulents , especially the pics with several different ones in the same pot . As far as the grey , I wouldn't -- you look like you like colour and excitement , so I'd go yellow on the pots -- a similar or slightly brighter shade then the cushion on the couch or chair to the left . It would tie it all in , and make that lovely mat look more like a feature too IMO . Without knowing 'the bigger picture' ( what else is 'happening' around that wall ) , just what I see I'd be inclined to add a light either side of the door too -- stick to the same shade as the joinery ( personally , I'd go for a 'clean rustic; style with say 15 squares each side ) , or if brave ( and assuming the guttering etc is probably a similar charcoal as your door joinery ? ) , go for the same yellow as your pots -- add a Wow !