Thanks Orangecamera. It's still a work in progress and mud everywhere Sorry we did look at having the steps' off set' but it didn't seem to go with only three steps and a small area. And about the zen well the cats are doing that for us much to our disappointment (it's still like a litter box to them). We went to the garden supply place still not knowing what kind of stones we were getting. We stood in front of all the bins (there where many). We even looked at mixing some. The grey stones had a bin more the size we wanted but we ended up getting the golden fleck. It was a little smaller, which was a shame, the bigger ones were so mixed in their grading it looked too messy. So this is what we finished up with. It was seagardens that got me thinking away from grey and nwduck mentioning the drainage. So this has really helped. Also everyone seem to think the wooden steps needed to go a lot lower. Next it's figuring out where the large river stones should go

Ouch, Lancewood! Nice read, FORM :)

We have very similar narrow side gardens. Judging from your picture, I'm guessing that you get more sun on the left. So, close to the door you could have pots of varying sizes and similar colour with dark leaf cannas and contrasting agaves potted, which won't overtake your garden because of the pot restriction. On the shade side, I'd plant ferns at intervals with clivia inbetween. You could also put up some chicken wire on the fence and train jasmine. On the sunny side, cordyline show-off, vireya rhodos, hibiscus (beautiful varieties) and bromeliads for groundcover. Good luck and have fun.

Joanna Gains style is fun! What you choose for lighting and surfaces will determine the amount of reflective light in your stairway. The Architect is right in what he is suggesting "a decorative wall" could bring more light into the space. I believe you could apply this on principle....for example you could do a feature "Architectural Mirror"or lots of mirrors on the wall in the right position to reflect light in "Joanna Gain style" then in the same style add an eye catching pendant or wall lights depending on what is best functionally. Remember what you use on the ceiling & walls is important too every surface counts for your situation. Try a satin finish with a cool white like Dulux "St Clair Quarter" or Resene "Black White" Maybe Nancy's suggestions of a skylight is an option for your situation if it allows ? Natural Light is always great. Heres some inspiration...All the best!