I agree with Fiona about the Ficus - they have shocking root systems and should never be used near pools, houses etc. The width of your retaining wall from the photo looks really narrow, so you are going to have trouble growing most things in there; even the Pittosporums will eventually cause structural damage to the walls. The width of any garden bed should be ideally 1.5 metres at least for proper root establishment. This seems to be hard for most people to understand, but the bigger the plant, the wider the root system. So either widen the retaining wall or you will need to keep the plant lower. The pears mentioned also will never work. 5 years is the testing time of a good garden. When first planted they can look great, but they often break down as they grow. The Ficus and Pears' root systems will keep on expanding after the 5 year period with the Ficus having surface roots that cause massive damage to paving, concrete etc. Google it! And I have seen first hand the damage done by another Landscaper's work, based on inexperience. Get professional advice if in doubt - it is worth it if you get a good one. Alison

Be aware that artificial turf can get very hot underfoot. You could lay a narrow old brick or limestone paver path to clothes line for easy access and plant ground covers or low profile herbs (eg.oregano and thyme) to use in cooking. Hardy herbs or flowers such as rosemary, lavender, geraniums against the edges of the space toward the back. Even add some large long troughs of flowers on the retaining wall to pretty up the area. It looks like it could get quite warm there but maybe a jasmine or similar climber to climb up a frame attached to the part of the large wall where there is no clothes line. Good luck, it will be a lovely space I'm sure once you get started.

How I miss Moreton Bay here in Dubai! I grew up in the Redlands in Brissie and loved planting my 2 new gardens. You have a lovely sized block by the looks of things. How about deciding on some zones for functionality? Eg entrance/walkways, seating/rest area, areas of visual and/or textural interest. For example statement trees, water features, feature pots etc. I have always loved the effect of mass planting and tend to use clumping/propagating plants for cost effectiveness. If I had your place? A statement tree/two, a water feature, plenty of lush plants like Murraya Piniculata (orange blossom) hedge to cover fences and create boundaries/rooms. Also love liriope, agave, rhoeo (moses in the cradle), gingers, flap jacks, gardenia for scent, bird of paradise for big spaces and plants that are hardy and succulent or semi succulent. I did a whole planting scheme and layout including a dry river bed, a railway sleeper set in stones/ decorative grid pattern with a water bowl on top (which I found the "how to" in a magazine). So much work but so rewarding!! Create visual interest and ensure you have a place to stop, sit and enjoy! Good luck!!!

This is an idea that will increase the usable space. Place the plants on one side to create the height and depth as mentioned in a comment earlier and then draw the timber closer together in an area to have extra sitting area. Between the others place plants like native violet that will cope with the shade. With extra space on the timber you can now have room for planters on the concrete. Paint the fence dark if you want but you could just cover with plants as it looks dark enough. Creepers like native wisteria could work. Local nursery will help as mentioned.