Sorry I am so late coming to your site - you are an inspiration to all, homeowners and advisers alike. For your planting advice, I suggest you call Merrifield Garden Center to see if they will come out your way. They currently have wonderful garden centers in Merrifield and Fairfax (both in Fairfax County) and a new one in Gainesville, but they may come further south to wherever you reside. (www.MerrifieldGardenCenter.com) Even if they don't send designers to your area, they are worth a trip to see their huge selection for a day of pleasure and inspiration, or to pick up some plants. Most of my clients are in the Fairfax and greater Washington area, but I am currently living out west below Front Royal, VA on the Shenandoah mountainside - wonderful views. cascio.offsite@gmail.com

I would consider a small retaining wall perhaps 2-3 planks high this will provide support to the bank but also allow the pathway to remain clear and formal. The ferns seem to be doing well but could do with a tidy up. I would also prune the tree so it allows a bit more light into the section to help prevent dampness, you also want to take it away from the house, without destroying it's natural shape. As ferns seem to naturally want to grow there, you could continue that theme. Perhaps some other shade / cooler temperature type plants with some flowers could be a good addition. I am not sure which plants can tolerate the cold Dunedin winters, so you best contact is your local garden centre. You want plants that are lush all year round. Also have a look at other plants growing in the neighbourhood as that will give you a good idea of what does and doesn't do well in your climate. Good Luck.

Love the blue carpet. It's such a nice colour and you rarely see blue carpet!

These houses were designed to look good from the street, regardless of what the orientation was for the Sun. Everything depends on your budget and how far your prepared to go. A friend's house in Queenstown faced the street, the toilet and bathroom had the best view of the lake and the Sun. They got a house removal Coy in, jacked it up put it on the truck drove out and turned it around and reconnected all the services. It then faced the North and West great views and warmth, doubled its value in 3 days!. I replaced my storage water cylinder with a outside gas one, picked up enormous space in our laundry. Another tip is to draw up your "dream" plan, then overlay it over the existing and see what you can really do, your then not influenced by what is already there, and often get a much better insight and removed from the existing. Good luck, its very rewarding and make it fun!