Not sure if you like to grow herbs, but I grow basil, peppermint, and rosemary in my pots. They don't require a whole lot of sun and then they're useful! Nothing like fresh herbs to spice up your tea or foods. :)

Where is north in this photo? It looks to me as though the area in question is fairly shaded so a lot of the above options wont work if the area is on the southern side of the home, especially because of the winter shade. The space gets afternoon sun - in summer or winter? There are shadows from trees - are these deciduous or evergreen? Clay can vary enormously from being plasticine like to clay with rocks or stones in it. This will have an enormous bearing on the plants that you can use, precluding plants like westringias that require very good drainage. A plant that is as tough as old boots that will grow in both sun and shade [with some sunlight during the day] is Buxus microphylla var japonica varieties, while Aucuba japonica [Gold dust plant] or even some of the native lomandra grasses would work well. The first two can be grown as a hedge with the latter choosing a variety that you like [ there are so many], but have the plants all the same - don't mix them up. These will all grow in some shade, will grow in clay as well if it isn't too poorly drained. It does appear as though the area is sloping ever so slightly away from the house which is good. But I would steer clear of paving - unless its needed for access etc, it will look patchy and pointless - use plants instead to make your picture - its far more sustainable. Alison

Every year I buy more bulbs to pot in various combinations. I bring the best ones inside when they're at their flowering peak. Grape Hyacinths and tiny daffodils with white and red freesias are my favourites so far. I love the scent of freesias, the brightness of daffodils, and the intricacy of ranunculus. I want to plant a big oblong tub of Ranunculus this year.

Hey! :D I’m totally new to growing plants etc and one of my tomato plants has something appearing/growing/building up in the soil and I have no idea what it is. :( would anyone be able to help me figure this out? (I’ve put it in isolation for now just incase)