i love bamboo, giant bird of paradise etc but do NOT put next to your pool. In our last build we used Zanadu. Big leaves that do not drop and bullet proof. Perhaps find another way to cover the fence other than plants that almost always drop their leave and have invasive roots.

I love the idea of using a mix Jadownes! It's funny, before starting work for this company I probably would never have considered using artificial plants for anything... I think for me I always had the mentality that fake plants didn't look very good or weren't capable of looking very good. But now.. I love the artificial plants! Of course though, If I had the time, space and ability to use real plants for my vertical garden I would in a heart beat! I think they look good regardless of which way you go and they offer a unique solution to creating some breathe taking spaces!

Not sure how it would go in Brisbane but what about trying a conifer? They grow fast and very tall. You can shape them or leave them natural. They are plain and certainly not tropical. Maybe speak to a local nursery and find out if they would grow in the sub-tropical climate of Brisbane first, as they are usually in colder climates (Sydney and south). Leightons Green Conifer – Leyland Cypress http://www.evergreengrowers.com.au/shop/hedging-screening/leightons-green-conifer-leyland-cypress/ Your quite limited if there's not enough sun and you dont use bamboo or tropical plants. Many other screening plants or hedges wont get tall enough for that space and climate. I hope you find something.

Every year I buy more bulbs to pot in various combinations. I bring the best ones inside when they're at their flowering peak. Grape Hyacinths and tiny daffodils with white and red freesias are my favourites so far. I love the scent of freesias, the brightness of daffodils, and the intricacy of ranunculus. I want to plant a big oblong tub of Ranunculus this year.