Yes, rake the needles (and gravel) onto the path, before improving the soil, and periodically during the off-season for the flowering plants. They tend to restrict growth and do not add to the appearance of the foliage or flowers, don't you agree? Not sure what does well in your area, but here's a list to take to your garden center that might brighten your day, and cover the ground. Cotoneaster dammeri, Juniperus conferta 'Blue Pacific", Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus", Asperula odorata, Dianthus gratianopolitanus "Bath's Pink", Adiantum pedatum, Ophiopogon japonicus, Parthenocissus tricuspidata or quinquefolia (I forget which one climbs up the trees, but get the other one), Most of the above will do well in any pH soil, so don't be afraid to sweeten it, if advised to locally. I would not plant all these together, but you have plenty of room to match up good companions in each area. Some, like the junipers like a little more sun to make you smile. That should get you started in covering the ground. The local folks will be eager to sweeten the list, I am sure. Enjoy the process. Involve your family and friends. Nobody does it alone.

The Dulux Stepney is a nice grey and would look great with the trim in Dulux Lecicon, you could paint the lower timber in Dulux Raku or Domino to ground the home. Grab some sample pots and try a few boards and some trim areas to get a feel before you purchase the paint for your complete home. Browse some of the exteriors in the Houzz photo's area. Don't forget to let us all know what you decide to go with and post an after photo for all to see. Happy painting Regards Paul Wales

Hi Douglas, If you are keeping the solid frame and just changing out the cushions then a Warwick Ashanti fabric like this one below would really do justice to the vintage of the piece but also update it beautifully. Any of the Croft Titan range of commercial grade Warwick fabrics below would also be stunning if used all over or just on the cushions. For slightly more feminine and Japanese aesthetic then the Salamanca range is a lovely block print style in different colour-ways. Let me know if I can help you purchase through Warwick as I have trade access to their product range and can easily post required metre-age to you. Happy selecting; the suite is going to look fabulous and deserves a new life. Cheers, Michelle

Great ideas dreamer,a dark colour fence highlights plants beautifully, you could always have a feature to look out on using screens , you could add a vertical garden , standard bay trees either side would look gorgeous, even a small water feature bowl , you can get them in terracotta would look beautiful.