Congrats on choosing blocks for your garden bed. If you're looking for trees, I suggest considering a maple tree. They grow nicely over time, providing shade and privacy. I recently moved to a new house myself, and I'm also exploring plant options. Back in my hometown, we had a reliable tree service that helped us with planting and maintenance. Maybe you can find something similar in your area. I came across this website, https://www.deepdale-trees.co.uk , which might be helpful for you. They offer a variety of trees and services.

Thanks also Oskuee the orange jasmine is beautiful and we have this running along our fence line in our back yard ! We have more of a tropical feel ( as much as we can given the climate ) I have this hedge along a fence that is over looked through my splash back glass window so I can see the gorgeous white flowers . I think for the front yard it wouldn’t be tall enough ? Although I’d need to check that as I’m no expert

We have been gifted two shade trees: a Blueberry Ash and a crepe myrtle. We are thinking putting an extension on the back and therefore have not done any landscaping to the backyard since moving in. My dilemma is where do i plant these trees: maximum shade while still being able to build without having to remove the trees later on. Current backyard Future backyard real estate photo of the backyard Standing at my sink looking towards bottom right hand corner

Thankyou everyone - these are some great suggestions!! I'm planning to visit a nursery when I'm in a neighbouring town and see what they have - but just knowing some ideas gives me a great starting point! No asthmatics, and no indoor pets here either. The place I currently have for it doesn't receive direct sunlight, but lots of light gets into that room, and it's not particularly cold or hot in that room.