Hi petapea, the phal orchids, I have killed more that two but now have one with three stems of buds and I am pretty happy with myself... I went to an orchid fair..advice was plant them in blue metal. Yes blue metal!!! I mixed some spagnum moss and charcoal through my blue metal. I water only when blue metal not looking dark. We have been going through a cool spring so about every two to four weeks. They sit in a north facing window and when I water I using strike back for orchids liquid fertiliser every third of fourth time just water to flush. It has taken two to three years and many sad phal deaths to succeed

For low maintenance in such a variable climate while preserving light access I think I'd go for some kind of a translucent decorative screen, with maybe just a few potted plants to provide some greenery. If they're not planted in the ground you'll have to be even more careful to ensure they get enough water. Or, thinking further, I've seen Chinese star jasmine used in challenging commercial locations, including as a screen around a cafe's outdoor area, it looks amazing and appears to be very hardy and copes with a temperature range similar to yours. Two drawbacks though, some people dislike the smell and it needs pruning so not low maintenance. It's difficult finding something that ticks all the boxes.

I love Julie's ideas of succulents , especially the pics with several different ones in the same pot . As far as the grey , I wouldn't -- you look like you like colour and excitement , so I'd go yellow on the pots -- a similar or slightly brighter shade then the cushion on the couch or chair to the left . It would tie it all in , and make that lovely mat look more like a feature too IMO . Without knowing 'the bigger picture' ( what else is 'happening' around that wall ) , just what I see I'd be inclined to add a light either side of the door too -- stick to the same shade as the joinery ( personally , I'd go for a 'clean rustic; style with say 15 squares each side ) , or if brave ( and assuming the guttering etc is probably a similar charcoal as your door joinery ? ) , go for the same yellow as your pots -- add a Wow !

Crotons are dramatic and easy care. They are also quite inexpensive to buy. They do well in either full sun or part shade and tend to be most showy in part shade. You really need to live subtropics though to get the best out of them. If you live temperate then some garden classics will do well in that spot. The classic lavender and geranium. Both showy perrennials that are easy care and thrive on neglect. They do require an annual prune them to keep them from going leggy. NOt your thing? How about this recent favourite. The fiddle leaved fig. They can grow enormously tall in the ground. But in pots they are easy to maintain a particular size. They are often used as house plants in smaller sizes. They do offer a dramatic large glossy leaf.