Be aware that artificial turf can get very hot underfoot. You could lay a narrow old brick or limestone paver path to clothes line for easy access and plant ground covers or low profile herbs (eg.oregano and thyme) to use in cooking. Hardy herbs or flowers such as rosemary, lavender, geraniums against the edges of the space toward the back. Even add some large long troughs of flowers on the retaining wall to pretty up the area. It looks like it could get quite warm there but maybe a jasmine or similar climber to climb up a frame attached to the part of the large wall where there is no clothes line. Good luck, it will be a lovely space I'm sure once you get started.

Where is north in this photo? It looks to me as though the area in question is fairly shaded so a lot of the above options wont work if the area is on the southern side of the home, especially because of the winter shade. The space gets afternoon sun - in summer or winter? There are shadows from trees - are these deciduous or evergreen? Clay can vary enormously from being plasticine like to clay with rocks or stones in it. This will have an enormous bearing on the plants that you can use, precluding plants like westringias that require very good drainage. A plant that is as tough as old boots that will grow in both sun and shade [with some sunlight during the day] is Buxus microphylla var japonica varieties, while Aucuba japonica [Gold dust plant] or even some of the native lomandra grasses would work well. The first two can be grown as a hedge with the latter choosing a variety that you like [ there are so many], but have the plants all the same - don't mix them up. These will all grow in some shade, will grow in clay as well if it isn't too poorly drained. It does appear as though the area is sloping ever so slightly away from the house which is good. But I would steer clear of paving - unless its needed for access etc, it will look patchy and pointless - use plants instead to make your picture - its far more sustainable. Alison

I agree with the comments above as well. A garden with different types of grasses looks fabulous in a coastal environment. Your soil type may also impact what will grow best. I had trouble with planting out our front yard at our last property. I took a picture of the area I wanted to plant out to the local nursery and they were able to give me some really good advice of what sort of plants would survive. Also, decide what sort of garden you are after, e.g. low maintenance, native, colourful, or something you need to tend to. There are so many options, but deciding what you are after will make a huge difference in the type of plants you should get. Gallifrey your garden is beautiful, love those cute little green mounds!

I’ve had a look into the privet and it does fit the brief. Interestingly (and alarmingly!), my husband has developed an asthma type allergy that has become severe over recent months - a common cause of the privet!!! My impressingly fast growing plant is definitely getting pulled out as it doesn’t seem so impressive anymore...