Ask your family what they would like to see, not designwise, but plant materialwise - color, texture, fragrance. Even ask your mother-in-law. You have provided some architect's dream, with the bold geometric forms, the bold palms and cycads. How about something warm and fuzzy. Something to rub your hands on as you head to the door. Some color and fragrance beyond the white and palm trunks. How about vines to soften the hard edges of the planters, fill them with ground cover plants so you won't see the mulch in a couple years, add bulbs of all seasons to bring cheer, glossy leaves to brighten your day. Bring nature to your entrance area to warm up the arrival of your mother-in-law. How about saving room for a couple chairs and small table, to sit out and prove that people actually live in this piece of marvelous sculpture, and add the warmth of an outdoor room. Spend some time at the library with books about the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. He is the one who introduced the architectural design idea of the outdoor room. Come to think of it, I don't remember ever seeing a garage door in any of the photos. Guess I'll have to take another look.

Congrats on choosing blocks for your garden bed. If you're looking for trees, I suggest considering a maple tree. They grow nicely over time, providing shade and privacy. I recently moved to a new house myself, and I'm also exploring plant options. Back in my hometown, we had a reliable tree service that helped us with planting and maintenance. Maybe you can find something similar in your area. I came across this website, https://www.deepdale-trees.co.uk , which might be helpful for you. They offer a variety of trees and services.

Kristen, your plan looks good to me. The stepping stones along the long fence are a great feature. The palm in that photo, is it on your side of fence or your neighbour's? Ruth & bigreader have good suggestions re using more of a hedging plant. Both would be striking and afford you some privacy in time. Just check that your soil will agree with whatever you select. I love birds of paradise, but will the giants be enough to give privacy? I like them in small groups best rather than in a line. It's going to be a splendid back garden when you are finished.

Thanks for all the comments We have been considering the trees the whole way through the design process and moved our pool recognising that it would be unlikely to get through near the trees... The arborist and designer both think our plans are realistic and the house is built no closer than what the neighbours have done. The garage is closer but canary palms can usually be transplanted so unlikely to be too disruptive to its root system. We don’t expect the neighbours to remove the trees (one is a ghost maple and the other two are canary palms that are only 1.5m apart) although that would be amazing as I hate them being so close. I am more curious to understand anyone else’s experience and the logistics of being tree sensitive during the building process and the costs incurred. Is it normal for the arborist to be onsite for demo and excavation? Are we better to dig a trench prior to the build to go in with our eyes wide open rather than wait and see approach....