Looks like buffalo in the second lot of photos but it also looks like you could have some couch in there too Buffalo is a great wearing lawn but it is hard and scratchy and kids don't like playing on it too much, unless it is Sir Walter, which is a more friendlier version and the most popular one now. It will respond well to a sandy type of top dressing - black river sand is really good if you can stand the mess for a few weeks while it settles - a sandy soil will give the runners something to grab onto and grow and this is what buffalo needs. I would leave the couch in there for now but dig it out as the buffalo runs to achieve a really even lawn. The buffalo will probably choke most of it out too but do try to control weeds early as it is harder to get them out when the lawn is established and many weed killers will kill buffalo too. Buffalo is very much a surface grass so the clay won't bother it but it will affect your lawn in terms of run off and water absorbency. With winter now approaching, there won't be a lot you can do but study run off over the coming months and where the water pools, time it takes the grass to dry out after rain and then decide just how much you need to do to control water problems. Maybe just running some agriculture piping around the edge of the paving will solve your problems or there may be other areas some piping can help drain quickly. Nothing worse or more irritating than water problems, so it is really worth the effort fixing them in the coming months ready for next spring, the problem will be fixed forever and you can focus on letting the lawn grow. There are quite a few websites with tips on growing buffalo and problems you need to watch out for. This one gives good tips on mowing heights too, which is very important, especially in your heat. If you mow it too low the sun can burn it and kill it. http://softleafbuffalograss.com.au/buffalo-lawn-care-and-articles/maintaining-buffalo-lawn.php

You could try http://potsandmore.net.au/ We went and visited the other day and found it very confusing but perhaps if you know what you are looking for it might be easier. They have further discounts right around the back and these have prices but the rest don't seem to - I guess you have to ask the guy there! Good luck!

Hi petapea, the phal orchids, I have killed more that two but now have one with three stems of buds and I am pretty happy with myself... I went to an orchid fair..advice was plant them in blue metal. Yes blue metal!!! I mixed some spagnum moss and charcoal through my blue metal. I water only when blue metal not looking dark. We have been going through a cool spring so about every two to four weeks. They sit in a north facing window and when I water I using strike back for orchids liquid fertiliser every third of fourth time just water to flush. It has taken two to three years and many sad phal deaths to succeed

There is excellent advice for care of your grass trees if you google 'Bruinsma grass trees' ... shows how to care for them especially in the first 12 months, there advice is invaluable as they specialise in grass trees, they advise regular deep watering until established, I would follow their advice if you want your grass tree to have the best chance of survival as they are an investment in both money and a statement for your garden.