Hi Nathan.

Plants in containers, ie pots and vertical gardens, are not low maintenance.

On the other hand plants in the ground in such a restricted space can have their own drawbacks.

But some greenery would hugely improve the feel of the space.

If you are getting rid of the shed and acquiring plants, where will you store gardening implements for said plants?

Does this area get much sun? This will help re selection of plants and ground cover.

@macymacmaples - To the left is the garage (double). I should be able to use that.

@Gallifrey - The fence with the drying line is facing east and gets good sunlight.

Grass the area all under the clothes line and where the shed is leaving then along fence line you could add a small hedge but if you wanted to lift it, colorful flowers would suit.

All the colours are really neutral and shouting out for some colour.

In the narrow 1.5 metre border consider Prunus fastigiata nigra - an upright purple leaved plum. This line of small trees would be deciduous and the vertical accent would make the area appear bigger than it is.

In the other area, I would use the Prunus at the back to hide the fence and plant a lower hedge (evergreen) in front. If room allowed, have a smaller hedge, also evergreen in front of this. So you would get a 3 tiered effect.

Forget the pots and hanging plants - if they don't look perfect, you'll be disappointed and they require maintenance. Plants in the ground are easier if done properly.

Julie Herbert - The vertical water feature sounds tempting. But I am unsure of the cost to setup a simple one. Let me explore that option too.

Morel Construction Ltd - I am planning to have more paved area instead of grass to lower the maintenance. I like the idea of a small hedge with colorful flowers.

Timandra Design & Landscaping - I was dreaming more of hanging plants and pots. Thanks for the tip :) I love the 3 tier idea but there may not be enough room I think. so may be a 2 tier setup might work. Any suggestions for plants for the smaller hedge? I would love to have colorful flowers / leaves.

Julie Herbert - Thanks very much Julie. yes there are many options I can see in ebay as you had mentioned. Sure will consider the golf ball for the hedge.

thedesignworld - OMG what have you done to my backyard?! This is just stunning and beautiful. Looks far better than the one we were dreaming of. Thanks so much for your time and effort. Greatly appreciated.

Why not mix large format pavers with grass or grass like ground cover. Photo of our courtyard below:

Just be careful, pavers in grass = lots of maintenance - lots of edges to trim! Vertical gardens aren't cheap to set up, and there is a lot of maintenance to keep them looking good. They, as well as pots, need to be watered regularly too, unless you're putting in irrigation, which again, will eat a hole in your 3K budget. Also, check the scale of the design above - I doubt you'll be able to fit all of that into what looks to be a 400-500mm garden bed along the fence! Though it does look good. :)

Wow thedesignworld... great work! Tall thin conifers could work on the other side of the yard if you were thinking about blocking out your voice travelling to neighbours yards :) Sadly that is always a problem with small yards. Bear in mind this could block a low morning or afternoon sun maybe?

With a 3 metres width to the garden bed, it is possible that you could have 3 tiers. The Prunus should have 1.5 metres allowed with 1 metre for the middle hedge plant [maybe Buxus microphylla var japonica], with 50cm left. Unless borders will be included in this width, there is a Lily Pilly called Syzygium australe 'Tiny Trev' which can be kept clipped to 50cm tall x 50cm wide enabling you to have the 3 tiered effect.

This tiered look requires maintenance, but looks really good. A lot of your decision will depend on the style of home that you have. Doing it yourself will mean that you have no labour costs, so you could still manage to have a decent finished product. But buy plants from a reliable provider - this is imperative to the longevity of your plant choices.

Gallifrey - Thanks for your thoughts. Your backyard looks great.

MG Gardens - Thank you. Yes. I am thinking of maintenance and the cost involved right now.. :)

dandjm - Noted. I will definitely consider that.

Timandra Design & Landscaping - So much insight and details. Appreciate your time and expert advice. I will spend more time researching your tips and the feasibility.

First and foremost, if the clothesline is staying, then you need to be able to access it. If so, pave under it and have a garden closer to the deck to screen the clothesline. Dark grey fence sounds good as a backdrop for plants.

If the clothesline is going, then start thinking about a garden along the fence.

MG Gardens has good advice.

I was going to suggest a hanging garden until I read the negatives - instead how about the old fashioned alternative ... a lattice on the fence and plant some creepers for it, choose more than one colour.

Also checkout some Home Opens of similar size residences for ideas - take your camera.

Does the room with the window allow it to be changed to a sliding door?

Consider artificial turf, if laid well, it looks great and less maintenance.

mazgardiner - Thank you for your feedback. The cloehtsline is going and I am thinking of a garden along the fence.

brixnmorta - Some great tips there. thank you. That window is of the Garage. But the door that leads to the backyard from the living room has a sliding door. Thriller + Spiller + filler plants - so colorful. Love it. would definitely consider that.

bigreader - Thanks for your words of wisdom on soil preparation. I have zero experience in these areas and I am learning a lot from the comments of the great minds here. Would definitely post the work in progress and afters pics.

2 FIND and DESIGN - I am more inclined towards less maintenance options so would defnitely consider some of the options you have suggested and start preparing the soil. Thanks for the pictures too. very helpful. with regards to the fence paint I have decided on Walpamur grey fence paint. Hopefully that works.

Hi Nathan - I suggest you use what you have already.

if the soil is poor, plant something that likes poor soil like nasturtiums. The leaves and flowers are edible and peppery. Ferns are good in damp areas too. These would have a deep water effect around the deck. Desert plants are lovely with coloured gravel - no spiky ones if you haven't much room. Maybe put down fake lawn so no mowing.

Nail up a large mirror to enlarge the view of plants and flowers etc

Strong mesh to hold up two vines - clematis, passion flower, mexican glory vine, pandera or a prize-winning table grape trained up the washing line. I did this with an old rotary line so we could sit underneath in the shade and eat grapes :)

I would wash the fences very evenly with white or coral lime wash. Cheapish to make. i would experiment with beetroot juice and curry powder (the strongest stain-makers) to get the shade of coral.

Cheers

Hooley D

hooleydooley - Nasturtiums look beautiful and the mirror idea - love it ! I have a long rectangular mirror that I was thinking of disposing. I think it now has a new place to go :) - Thank you.

Merry Christmas everyone !

(slow) Progress made so far..

1. Shed removed.

2. First coat for the fence completed.

3. Two coats for the deck completed. (not happy with the outcome here so far, may be I didn't to the pre-cleaning well). Planning for another coat in the next few days.

4. Paving task is scheduled next week.

In the mean time I bought these solar lights for the fence. I bought it for $8 per light from Cheap as Chips. Those brackets are from Bunnings $18 (a bit expensive. but other cheaper options didn't look good so still looking ...)

Planning to hang the light to the bracket hopefully it will look nice on the fence.

Will keep posting. Have a safe break all !

Thanks very much julie herbert & Lis

Although it was done at a snail pace, I was quite happy at the end of the day :) The ideas and comments from you lovely people in Houzz were my inspiration no doubts.

Hi Nathan, the question is how much work do you want to undertake on an ongoing basis to maintain the look you are going for? Many ideas will require on-going work and constant maintenance of the plants. Please feel free to check out the idea of artificial screening on the fence, then you could use some nice grasses in the front.

We have the full range also here: https://designerplants.com.au/product-category/vertical-garden-green-walls/