Garden design on line thanks for your graphics we have a similar deck structure to the side of the house- its more protection from the elements we need at the front of the house. Dyctecture i had considered a floating canopy but couldn't visualise how it would look- thanks for the mock up. But I do need more shelter as we live in the west coast of Ireland and the weather here can be pretty wet and windy!! This is the main access to the house and on a wet day the entrance hall can get very wet. Gildaville, I like the idea of following the existing triangle shape but definately need a roof- i just can't visualise how it would look and what material it can be constructed from. I really appreciate your replies.

I really think it's the plants that are supposed to be the center of attraction so I have a hard time thinking of anything better than painting the wall gray and the planters charcoal. However, trying to keep an open mind I did locate the photo above with yellow planters, which would be pretty against a gray wall. But looking at your very lovely blue door, I could see repeating that very same color on the planters and leaving the wall gray. It's always a good thing to repeat an existing color when it looks as great as that one does. That blue would be dynamite on a planter filled with green plants and colorful blooms.

Flowers in those flower boxes would be a good start, and then I'd tear out the conctrete or whatever the surface is next to the house and extend the driveway further out, closer to the camera, to make up for lost driveway space. The down spout must be removed from he driveway. The steps up to the house seem to be a confused assembly of different materials and should be reformed into a cohesive entry stairway, with plantings flanking it, or pots of greenery/flowers on it. The garage seems to be a different color from the house and if that is the came, I would change it echo the colors of the house. In the foreground of the photo is an opportunity for some beautiful landscaping. You have your work cut out for you, but nothing that you couldn't do over the next 3 months!

As you've got the Abbey Road sign, why not make it a music corner? Perhaps a Beatles inspired / Sixties monochrome scheme. You could get a musical notes design printed on an outdoor canvas for the wall, or a sail & hang over to create shade. Perhaps some instrument outlines on the wall. Planting could be black & white with pops of colour. A decorative white chair & outdoor rug would look inviting. Or you could even paint boards b&w stripes like the zebra crossing!