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.

Hi Jen I don't see them not raising the ground level to your fence, either way make sure they do the retaining walls before the rains start. If they replace the fence, that should be paid by them 100%. However I worried by your 3rd photo it looks like they haven't keyed the ground prior to the fill? ...you don't want slippage, remember Thredbo! If your block is big enough, here's some trees, beware of fast growing trees as they tend to be huge. http://www.citywide.com.au/mobile/blog/treescapers/2014/08/15/10-australian-native-trees http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/fact-sheets/in-the-garden/trees-and-palms/trees-other-plants-to-avoid/#.WJsiiXQZ7qA Don't plant too close to retaining walls.

Not sure how it would go in Brisbane but what about trying a conifer? They grow fast and very tall. You can shape them or leave them natural. They are plain and certainly not tropical. Maybe speak to a local nursery and find out if they would grow in the sub-tropical climate of Brisbane first, as they are usually in colder climates (Sydney and south). Leightons Green Conifer – Leyland Cypress http://www.evergreengrowers.com.au/shop/hedging-screening/leightons-green-conifer-leyland-cypress/ Your quite limited if there's not enough sun and you dont use bamboo or tropical plants. Many other screening plants or hedges wont get tall enough for that space and climate. I hope you find something.

Um, why? Looks difficult to clean, difficult to access, and impossible to safely bath kids. I would avoid at all costs. No prospective real estate buyer ever said "I love the combined bath and shower arrangement" as they are generally universally hated, especially if there are toddlers, or elderly in the household . If you do go with this dangerous proposition then make sure you have plenty of well anchored grab rails so you don't knock your teeth out when your head hits the floor. Have a look at the Posh Domaine Shower Bath, which has a flatter, squarer base, rather than your traditional bath Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls and Dr Retro Virtual Visits.