With a nice clean space like that you can go a lot of different ways. I would start by looking at shower curtains, because they can become the focal point. When you find one or two (or more) that you like, you can play off of the colors in the curtain to find the color towels, bath mat, and even wall color. Some ideas: You could go classic black and white, with a touch of something bright if you want for an accent (like the fuscia in the photo) Or something "spa-like," in acqua and cream. Or you could go bright, with teal and lime green. Another classic look: tan walls, white and/or tan towels and bathmat, simple white accessories. Good luck!

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

You want very easy care so you won't have to be weeding, pruning, watering and feeding because it is hard work on a steep bank like that. Along the bottom edge, I'd plant a few soft, smaller plants that won't require trimming back and are OK to brush against. Many natives are great for tolerating poor soil and not needing to be nurtured or fussed over. Clumps of hardy grasses - enough of each to make an impact, say groups of 5-7 minimum. Perhaps red tussocks (Chionocloa rubra) for their bronze tints, and Silver tussock (Carex comans) for their graceful light green fronds, and Chionochloa conspicua, which is very pretty in flower, (like a miniature toetoe.) Mix in NZ iris like Libertia perigrinans for its bright orange spear like leaves and it will tolerate clay well. Marlborough rock daisy if it is a dry area. A little further back put in that lavender, smaller hebes for flower and scent, and possibly some of the many miniature flaxes which come in a range of colours. There are a few spreading prostrate coprosmas that are great in areas like this too. If you don't like the bronze rambler but it is growing well, think of it as the background to set off something that you like, so perhaps a spiky silvery plant like an astelia will contrast with it and be a feature, or a little bright green hebe, with white flowers would contrast nicely. Behind those, put the feijoas, full size flaxes, corokias, the larger hebes, pittosporums, and coprosmas.

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.