Hi Nikki,

It would really help if you included the aspect and also were you are in the country.

Lynn

Hi Nikki, you also need to know where is north for the sun, and what your winds are like. Its it a sheltered spot, or do you get lots of wind? What type of planting do you want. Minimal but do you like shrubs, colour, vege beds, gravel or grass? garden beds around the perimeter or just nothing but a lemon tree?

If minimal is really what you're after depending on climate of the area I would use:

Mercury Bay Weed Dichondria repens soft spongy ground cover once established has the blessing of you not having to mow the lawn so often.

Do a feature vertical wall of herbs.

Have potted citrus by or on deck.

One or two clumps of Ti kouka, Cabbage tree, the dried fronds can be rolled up into small log bundles and used in wood burners very little ash so environmentally sound.

Strategically place sculptural pieces around the garden and a seat or two.

Thanks for the responses. We are in taranaki. North is to the top left of picture, so North sun will hit the outdoor living areas, and the house will shelter most of the mointain winds. Some awesome ideas Maisie, definitely sounds like our sort of style. Will look into plants you have suggested.