We have just replaced a garden full of hedges with artificial turf. My husband and I installed in ourselves , the grass is easy it's getting it level and putting the right amount of 2mm cracker dust underneath. We have two dogs and three kids and we love it. It depends on the area and how much time you have to look after it. We have installed our own beautiful Sir Walter lawn as well so we are a bit experienced. I put a sprinkler on for a few minutes twice a week for a wash and it also drains fine in bad weather. Look for something mid range you don't need the most expensive ! Look for something with a nice pile height say 30- 35 mm. Ask for some off cuts leave them in the sun and also walk on them see what you like. Here is a pic of what we have done so far. We are having a black spa put in the limestone paving which I sealed and a waterfall down the end on the stone wall. Make sure you check out the smaller companies , as long as it has no lead in it it's worth a go. Wendy from Perth These photos were when we just finished so lawn looks a bit stripey till it settles. We all love it

Hey Camira1999, your pool area has huge potential. We love the wooden element you've added to your outdoor area. You could also add in some more foliage to the area, like we did in the projects below. Lacquering the back fence will also make a difference to the feel of the pool area. We also are manufacturers of DIY glass pool fences, balustrades, mirrors and splashbacks - you can pick up fences in a range of styles (ie: semi frameless, frameless with or without mini posts,etc) from your local Bunnings. Hope that helps, and good luck!

I, too, like the idea of the fence being painted in Monument, or something similar. You look like you live in either in the tropics or subtropics, judging by the photos. Apart from looking attractive, you also want to the plants to have low leaf drop, be fairly hardy, not have an invasive root system, be reasonably low maintenance and sun tolerant (the pool area looks very hot and sunny, and you didn't mention if the palms next door provide any shade during the day). Anyway, here is my 5 cents worth: native pigface "Aussie Rambler"; blue fescue; bromeliad Neoregelia sheba; philodendron Xandadu; sun-tolerant cordyline species; dwarf ixora; dwarf frangipani. Bambino bougs also look lovely near a pool. You'll be picking up the old bracts as they drop but they look so gorgeous its worth it. Touch of Class have recently introduced some beautiful new varieties of dwarf oleanders (we have "Isabella"). Oleanders have been given a really bad rap about their toxicity, and yes, they are poisonous, however, they have never caused a human fatality in Australia and are no more toxic than many other plants we put in our home gardens. Apparently, they are a more of a threat to livestock who seem to eat them despite their bitter taste. Having said that, I wouldn't use them if you have young children or pets that like to chew everything. You'll have noticed that most of the plants I have suggested are of the "dwarf" variety. This is so the plants don't become too big for the pool area, and to help keep maintenance down. A self-cleaning palm like the golden cane, foxtail or Alexander could provide some overhead shade, but only if they were planted at least 1.5m away from the pool (preferably more). I would also be mulching with stones to minimise it ending up in the pool on windy or rainy days. Although I love natives, I have not suggested them, other than the pigface, to keep maintenance and leaf drop to a minimum.

If the murraya and other shrubs are growing well then the area must get sun and should grow grass. If it is a high traffic area you may never be able to grow grass in the area they constantly walk on. To renovate if it is sunny and neglected - spike with a garden fork all over the compacted areas put down some fresh lose topsoil and replant or turf. The only answer if it is constantly used is to put concrete or pavers down. If you haven't watered lately, water regularly and fertilise you will be amazed if it is a running type grass. Grass likes regular water and fertiliser .