Barbara pretty spot on. Sand on base is best for temporary situation and you can leave it when the pool gets put away for winter. Another way to level is setup up a string line in a square ie. 4 stakes to hold it up and level the string line. Use the string line as a visual guide and you can also measure down from it as you go. As you dig the higher ground, you effectively move it the lower end. Saves having to get rid of dirt and you can restore it to its former natural slope when you returf. Compact the fresh pile at the lower end and use the rubble to help hold it together. Your other problem of turf not growing in that area has little to do with the rubble in my opinion. Does it get plenty of winter sun? Do you feed it/water it regularly? I grew over 20 sq. metres of turf on a cement slab in my yard with only 100mm (10cm) of dirt which also had concrete rubble mixed in. It had no direct sun in winter but still stayed green throughout, beautifully in summer. Good luck.

Yes, rake the needles (and gravel) onto the path, before improving the soil, and periodically during the off-season for the flowering plants. They tend to restrict growth and do not add to the appearance of the foliage or flowers, don't you agree? Not sure what does well in your area, but here's a list to take to your garden center that might brighten your day, and cover the ground. Cotoneaster dammeri, Juniperus conferta 'Blue Pacific", Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus", Asperula odorata, Dianthus gratianopolitanus "Bath's Pink", Adiantum pedatum, Ophiopogon japonicus, Parthenocissus tricuspidata or quinquefolia (I forget which one climbs up the trees, but get the other one), Most of the above will do well in any pH soil, so don't be afraid to sweeten it, if advised to locally. I would not plant all these together, but you have plenty of room to match up good companions in each area. Some, like the junipers like a little more sun to make you smile. That should get you started in covering the ground. The local folks will be eager to sweeten the list, I am sure. Enjoy the process. Involve your family and friends. Nobody does it alone.

Hi Astri. I am in Canberra and have nineteen trees in our garden. How big is your block? Which way does it face for solar access? Do you have any power lines or easements to consider? What plans do you have for dealing with the autumn leaves? I'm not quite sure what you mean by a gatehouse and arbour on the fenceline but have you checked the regulations for structures on your boundary? Where do you want to plant the hedge and what is the width?

@wuff Oh yes, the birds (and bees) are having a great time in the garden right now. I saw a group of five rather large and therefore quite heavy wattle birds trying to take nectar from the pink grevillea flowers on the end of the long spikes (2nd photo). The stems were twanging about like great springs and the birds were being flung all over the place, but holding on determined to stay put. Great antics to watch.