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

Use indigenous plants rather than importing 'weeds'. Find out your local native grasses and use those instead. Lomandras are probably one type. Good to hold soil together as they apparently have shallow but strong roots. Adding drainage should also be included as would the hessian types of pervious mattings.

Is it a dwarf flowering gum or a big one? Many gums affect the ground beneath them, not allowing other plant competition to grow there...except azaleas, rhododendrons and other acid loving plants can do well. Another idea is to think of some native grasses, there are some excellent decorative cultivars now that are very hardy too. Some of the small lomandras could be planted in clumps of varying heights and colours, also dianella silver streak would be pretty.

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!