Like the sound of the first, a place to sit and relax. Mindful that plants need to withstand coastal environment and provide soft, interesting colour and foliage year round. I think textures, use lots of different density in plants, like wistringea, The coastal rosemary for soft hedging, kangaroo paw, cushion bush for light silver ground coverage, perhaps olive trees along boundaries, and plenty of native grasses for height and interest. Ask your local council for a preferred planting list, as coastal environments are particularly sensitive.

Both my dogs are rescues, Coby Dog (JRT x corgi) came with his name and his recalls were too good to change it. The Macaroni Monster (JRT x mini foxie) came as Mac, but he was was a round little tube, so he became Macaroni and the Monster was added as he was the puppy from hell and he is still very determined.

annb1997 - Yes, that is part of the reason I'm doing this project. The entire area will be lowered, re-graded and some drains installed (the garden edge is kind of temporarily in place for now, got a great deal on the plants so they had to go in). It's a bigger job than anticipated as it also means the air conditioners (x3) need to be de-commossioned and re-installed at the new levels. John, I like the idea with regard to the tank, but we get allot of bitey critters and I don't really want to give them anymore areas to hide out in.

Pandanus. We have a few in our yard.