I won't bother with lattice, barrels are partially obscured from the street by fencing and if I put it up I would have to work around the lattice in order to turn the valves for water. If I can just make better use of collected water I'll be happy. We are at the end of our growing season so I should be cleaning up the garden and putting it to bed for the winter, just can't seem to get motivated. We had our first frost last week. Usually, our average early frost date is 1 November. I got almost no produce from garden this year, but there is always next year. Chookchook2 I've seen some of those decorative metal panels and they are gorgeous, sure hope your budget will allow you to get some before too long. Most of our state has been on fire for a good part of the summer. The closest is across the river from us and they have been battling it for almost a month. Some friends have had to evacuate repeatedly. We've only been concerned once, a small grass fire on our side of the river on a day we had wind gusts up to 65mph. Fortunately, it was put out quickly. Australia and New Zealand have both sent firefighters to help with the blazes. I can't begin to tell you how appreciative we are. The closest fire was fought for almost a week by local volunteers only as there were no other resources available. They were all on other fires. The Army National Guard (reserve troops) were called out to help with support duties and for the first time ever the federal Department of Natural Resources (DNR) asked for civilian volunteers to help with non firefighting tasks, cutting fire breaks, moving supplies etc.

We're doing a big renovation including a 75m2 extension to an old farm cottage. We've used houzz heaps - everything from the design of a feature fireplace to the front door and family bathroom. Just 6 more weeks till completion and we're expecting it to make some very good 'before and after' pics based on how grotty the 'before' scenario was!

Pressed metal splashbacks are so rare! This is the first photo I've seen with a splashback like this and I'm really enjoying it.

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.