Have 2 Katsura trees. I never mind the leaves when they fall, since they smell like cotton candy. I leave them on the ground (near my front door) as long as possible, just for the scent. Even the chore of raking them up makes me happy.

Hi Astri. I am in Canberra and have nineteen trees in our garden. How big is your block? Which way does it face for solar access? Do you have any power lines or easements to consider? What plans do you have for dealing with the autumn leaves? I'm not quite sure what you mean by a gatehouse and arbour on the fenceline but have you checked the regulations for structures on your boundary? Where do you want to plant the hedge and what is the width?

You've got a good space and good ideas. My suggestion would be to decide on all the structural changes first. It is tempting to go for small wins first. But you'll never regret doing a master plan. Set out everything you want to do. It's OK to have lots of stages and even a few dream things.

For the best tropical effect - nothings beats Monsteras - lots of them - overlapping, Consider a travellers palm in the background (they can grow very large) - the above options will result in little if any leaf litter into the pool. If you put in some large monsteras - I would suggest a few smaller ones as well to create variation and make it look more natural. The above plants are relatively slow growing and will only require dead frond removal (at ground level) a couple of times a year. Ferns would look great in between (or Taro) but they grow faster and more maintenance is required. Either a good ground cover, or thick black plastic between the plants with a good thick layer of stones/ wood chips or similar. beware of anything too light which may blow into the pool during a storm. Below ground retic is always the best - but sometimes its nice to have a spray onto the leaves (perhaps a separate system) if you want to simulate the tropical rainforest thing whilst lounging in the pool at night.