It is unfortunate that Ficus Hillii hybrids are being pushed by landscapers. The root system of all ornamental figs is bad. The Flash variety is just a smaller version of Ficus microcarpa which is a massive tree. They ALL have roots that cause severe structural damage to homes, pools, driveways, walls etc. As a very experienced garden designer, I have seen too many instances of considerable structural problems caused by this plant family. Beware.

Flufftop, there have been many good suggestions in this discussion. You already have two 'WOW' factors in your front yard...your lovely cottage and the tree. Whatever you do needs to link these two with the remainder of the garden and that's not an easy thing to do when you have a variety of ideas coming at you from all directions. Walk around your neighbourhood, go to Diggers for inspiration but also go to your local nursery and ask if they have a garden advisory service. Another option is to find a local garden designer (www.aildm.com.au) and have them visit your garden. They have the knowledge to tie all your ideas and thoughts together. They will suggest ways to incorporate all, or some, of your wishes into a unified design which can be implemented immediately or over a period of time to suit your budget. It will cost you a fee for an hour or two ,or more if you get a plan drawn up, but will save you money and disappointment because you'll be eliminating guess work and mistakes. Best wishes Arthur

hope this 'mud map' gives an idea!! ;) The plants that I think I should keep are the ones I have labeled. Any others that you see in the above photos can go. I would also like the pot to stay or replace with a similar 'feature' for the garden. As I have said previously, the plants I want to stay do need a tidy up, but I think will come up okay with a good trim and water. Also, any suggestions on how to make the wisteria flower better would be great, it grows prolifically in the summer but lots of green and not many flowers.

I agree with Julie re grey pavers. I'm not a real fan of things matching too closely, and the raw earthy look and texture of grey pavers appeals more to me. I recommend using a water meter gauge to test the moisture level in the soil next to your M pears. Maybe the soil is too wet, as I imagine with the new turf it has received a fair amount of watering. Also if you take a close-up photo of the struggling tree AND one like you have posted here and show it to an expert at your local nursery, you will get good advice about how to rectify the situation. The ornamental pears planted in one of my garden beds are elevated somewhat so they drain freely. The landscaper did it this way, and they are thriving.