I'm a first time gardener and taking on an orchard no less : o I want to plant our own trees and have decided that espaliating them would be our best option. Does this look right though : 3m between rows of trees. 3m between individual trees in the rows. Can I group all the same trees next to eachother or are there any trees that should NOT be planted close to any others ? Also, we have clay soil so I will mix in gypsum with the compost and make a "doughnut" of straw around the raised base. Anything else you can think of ?

Looks like the palm tree look is working so I would blend that with some succulents maybe agave which can grow large and make great statement plants. Also stick with the stones.

We have a new build and the west side garden is overlooked from the neighbour and from the street around the corner, - looking through the neighbour's property. This problem is compounded by the house being 400mm above ground level and having a standard height fence. I was thinking of an allee of trees for privacy screening and for dappled light and sun control. Or does anyone have an alternative suggestion?

Supposed to say ‘for privacy’ and I don’t know how to edit my post!!!!