Looks like buffalo in the second lot of photos but it also looks like you could have some couch in there too Buffalo is a great wearing lawn but it is hard and scratchy and kids don't like playing on it too much, unless it is Sir Walter, which is a more friendlier version and the most popular one now. It will respond well to a sandy type of top dressing - black river sand is really good if you can stand the mess for a few weeks while it settles - a sandy soil will give the runners something to grab onto and grow and this is what buffalo needs. I would leave the couch in there for now but dig it out as the buffalo runs to achieve a really even lawn. The buffalo will probably choke most of it out too but do try to control weeds early as it is harder to get them out when the lawn is established and many weed killers will kill buffalo too. Buffalo is very much a surface grass so the clay won't bother it but it will affect your lawn in terms of run off and water absorbency. With winter now approaching, there won't be a lot you can do but study run off over the coming months and where the water pools, time it takes the grass to dry out after rain and then decide just how much you need to do to control water problems. Maybe just running some agriculture piping around the edge of the paving will solve your problems or there may be other areas some piping can help drain quickly. Nothing worse or more irritating than water problems, so it is really worth the effort fixing them in the coming months ready for next spring, the problem will be fixed forever and you can focus on letting the lawn grow. There are quite a few websites with tips on growing buffalo and problems you need to watch out for. This one gives good tips on mowing heights too, which is very important, especially in your heat. If you mow it too low the sun can burn it and kill it. http://softleafbuffalograss.com.au/buffalo-lawn-care-and-articles/maintaining-buffalo-lawn.php

Glass bottles and tea cups can present a problem with lack of drainage - it largely depends on what you're planting though, so succulents last okay in glass jars and teacups though long term should be moved to something more suited :)

yeh have looked at some succulents im not sure im a fan. i only want something small and not to encroaching on the pathway or driveway. later there will be a garden infront of the windows to the right and the other side of the driveway. the better half and myself havent really found anything we like that will be small enough.

Climate and orientation is always useful information for plant recommendation requests. Is there a reason you want pots? Plants in pots can dry out faster, how fast can depend on the pot material, and if the plant grows fast and becomes rootbound that affects its vigour and it will need repotting, so it's a higher maintenance choice. I love pots but I've found it harder to find suitable plants and to keep them happy so where practicality and aesthetics allow for a garden bed that would be my first choice. If you are renting I think asking the landlord for permission to put up sheer curtains would be a quicker and more successful solution.