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

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.

I used to have a Peace Lily, Philodendron, Succulent garden, a couple of ferns, Devil's Ivy and some grass plants in my bedroom. I currently don't have a bedroom that would support those kind of plants so I've cut back on them. I am planning on building a house that is specifically designed for plants (and lighting) in mind. They're so good for the bedroom, I would try to avoid pollen dispersing flowers though. My favourites are grasses, broadleaved plants, Succulents, bonsai for apartments, even small "indoor trees" (palms, ficus) if you have the space. Not only are there so many health benefits, but think about how you'll feel waking up every morning surrounded by nature and life. There are numerous studies about how much we benefit from being in nature, so there's no downside there. If you are getting bugs, you must be severely unfortunate. I've personally never had more than the occasional fly that one of my dogs let in. Unless, like others said, you rotate your plants outside.

Thank you so much for your advice, in particular to bigreader and Julie Herbert. Here's a photo but note Im awaiting all that timber to be removed and daughter yet to sweep up the potting mix. I tried a blue one on each side as well but it didn't look quite right. I actually think 2 on each side might be enough. Note, in the big pot on left is a ground cover that will sprawl and out and done pot all going well. Do you think/Any suggestions for anything else I could do in this area? I'm still getting used to colour of mat. Now for the back door. Ive put some pots there that I had painted a light grey. Im wondering if they dont provide enough contrast with deck. Your thoughts? I was going to put a buxus in the one on the right (purely because they're are numerous in garden I can poach).