It is unfortunate that Ficus Hillii hybrids are being pushed by landscapers. The root system of all ornamental figs is bad. The Flash variety is just a smaller version of Ficus microcarpa which is a massive tree. They ALL have roots that cause severe structural damage to homes, pools, driveways, walls etc. As a very experienced garden designer, I have seen too many instances of considerable structural problems caused by this plant family. Beware.

georgi02 "follow some simple guidelines, the ones that people frequently aren't told when buying wall gardens and you end up finding out the hard way" Plant walls are fashionable and seem ideal for small spaces but it would be good if the stores that sell the bits and pieces told people it's not just a trendy decor item, it needs some gardening expertise. mutcherson, is there any space between that deck and the fence? IMO the most successful low-maintenance gardening is the right choice of plant growing in the ground. As soon as you start messing around with unusual plants, unusual containers, unusual locations, you start having additional challenges. But I reckon if you want it's worth having another try with a wall using georgi02 's instructions. Succulents are easy to grow from cuttings and forgiving of lack of water. When you take cuttings of succulents you are supposed to put them aside for a while before potting them and I have found pieces I forgot I cut weeks earlier and managed to grow them. I have had some problems with succulents but that was because of frost so you you won't have that challenge.

I guess it's going to come down to how visible you want the gate to.be when I look the black against a light house colour - the black gate is quite prominent, but against the darker house not so much I hadn't thought about a blue gate, but when I went looking for pics the ones I found I really liked As for white- it would show up against a blue house Do not think I have helped......

Hi Amy, Just a rough sketch for you. I think it would be best for you to have a desk in the living space which would be built into a cupboard so that it could be closed off when/ if needed. This is a great place to have a Desk/ Computer for when the kids get bigger and are using the computer so that you can keep an eye on them while in the kitchen/living and Alfresco. I also think you need a doorway next to the desk opening into the passage next to the Master as the other access is too far. I have changed the area next to the garage, too many angles, You have access from the garage with mudroom to drop things like school bags/coats etc and the bedroom next to the laundry is now bigger. cheers