I would decide what you actually need in a backyard as a starting point, such as a clothes drying area, vegetable garden, sandpit, kids play area, BBQ, outdoor entertaining deck etc. Look at how the sunny spots and shady spots change during the day. Think about the balance between hard surfaces (like decking and paving) to soft surfaces, such as lawns and garden beds. Consider the relationship of the rooms at the rear of the house to the backyard with potential views, and vistas. Consider what is currently over the fence, and what you can do to disguise what you don't want to see (such as your neighbours ugly garage). Also consider if there is redevelopment potential next door that may overshadow or overlook your back garden in the future. Think of the functions of your back garden as a series of outdoor "rooms" and the relationship to each other, and to your house. Your drying area may be in a sunny spot, that isn't overlooked from your dining room, but not too far from the laundry door. If you have young kids you may want to be able to see their play area/sandpit from the kitchen. Locate your BBQ area, outdoor entertaining area which gets the afternoon sun and not too far from the kitchen. Or engage a landscape designer to help you get your thoughts and budget organised. You have lots of scope and opportunities with such a blank canvas. Photos courtesy of Davidson Design Studio http://www.davidsondesignstudio.com.au/ Best of luck, Dr Retro

Landscaping is for long term. Lots of people use plants like neighbors begone to quickly hide neighbours, but a canopy tree or two may look better longer term and filter rather than fully block views so you don’t feel hemmed in. Weeding and maintaining garden beds can be just as high a maintenance as lawns. Really sit in your favourite spots and think about what you want to see and visualise how you would use the space, now, in 5 and 10 years. Put bins and hoses around to help envision plan. Think where does the sun hit the yard at diff times of day and year, how will it be affected by screening etc. walk around your neighborhood and take pics of plants the At grow well and you like. More helpful if in flower for identification. Then list your values and priorities for an expert to consider, more important than any concept plan. This will also help staging for your budget

Hi, We are super indecisive, all we know is we want to remove the huge 6x3.5m shed and put a pergola on that concrete slab instead. Thinking of just doing concrete resurfacing on the slab floor as seems best budget wise...not sure if wise long term though and with kids... Will be doing the whole area about 20m long stopping at the chair Looking for ideas on what to do with all other areas - paving, fake grass, decking, ??? Let your imagination run wild! Thankyou!

Does it have to have a roller door? Bifold doors? What is it being used for? Can you put windows on side?