Put in a few French drains where you dig a ditch and fill it with crushed rock to help the water drain. In low spots put in some drains [http://www.homedepot.com/p/Tuf-Tite-16-in-2-Hole-Drain-Sump-with-Grate-and-Seals-2HDS-4/203463511] with pipe running to the French drain. You might also need to bring in 10 yards of top soil along with some sand to raise your yard a bit as you're probably right at the water table level. We've had to do all this as we live in the Pacific Northwest in a reclaimed marsh [a nice word for a swamp] where we hit the water table if we dig down 3". We had to put down about 10 yards of top soil along with some sand to raise our back yard. We also dug a French drain along the back to connect to the associations drainage pipes through the neighborhood. My husband has put in at least 3 of the drains in strategic locations around the yard to help drain off the excess water. Our yard isn't perfect, but it isn't the swamp it was the first couple of years we were here. We have to apply moss killer every spring or it takes over the yard. My husband also puts down lime to soften the soil, and help the water drain easier. He and a friend rent an aerator every summer and do both our yards to help with the drainage as well.

I would use plants to brighten the space. The hardscapes are all good, they just look a bit naked and grim. It can be hard to make a space pretty but usable for the kids too, but its not impossible. You have a lovely sitting area to enjoy. Plant some lovely feature bushes in that gravel area. You don't need to completely hide the clothesline, but having something pretty and showy in front will create a boundary and the eye will be drawn to the plants instead of the washing. If you can't plant into the soil there, some large size pots will work. Maybe some medium sized (1-2metre) ornamental trees in pots, like citrus, a weeping ornamental cherry, or bay trees, moptop robinias are nice too. They will be compact. You could cluster some pots of herbs underneath or plant them and let them ramble a little. Herbs like thyme and rosemary and lavender will suit the gravel area and the heat and be hardy with kids playing around, the odd bike falling on them or crushing underfoot would be quite okay. bulbs in pots or planted around the edges of the lawn are great value low maintenance and hardy colour. You can get great seasonal variation in your view then. Online bulb stores like tesselar and garden express sell bulk landscaping bulbs at very reasonable prices. You can get hundreds of bulbs for $30-50. Bulbs are great hardy plants that won't be killed by the odd soccer ball either. The flowers may get knocked over or the leaves, but the bulb is safe under the soil. Cheap and cheerfuls like nasturtiums are good value colour that will self seed every season. Also, plant some very bright flowering shrubs behind the soccer net and against the far wall. Maybe some hibiscus? You need something to catch and entice the eye, plant some large flowering shrubs with larger or bright flowers or foliage you will be able to appreciate from a distance.

We have removed a 70sq metre deck, filled it with wall and hard core, any suggestions for paved patio, incorporating fire and barbecue area? large garden beyond, we entertain a lot, but being Ireland will do get a lot of rain. Limited budget, modern style.

Hi all, Looking for a few ideas on what to plant in different areas of a small garden. The first photo shows the front, the bed near the window gets a lot of sun in both winter and summer. I did plant wild flower seeds here last September but it was a bit late so only have the below. As it gets the sun I would like to plant flowers that would attract bees........any ideas? Also looking to plant 2 or 3 plants down the side of the fence........what would be recommendations? The bed by the wall doesn't really any sun during the winter and a bit in the summer. Was thinking the tree as there and adding a cherry blossom in the middle or maybe a bit closer to the gate. Good idea? The second photo shows the back, the plan was/is to put decking over half the grass and plants in the bed. What would you recommend for this bed? It gets no sunshine in winter but gets a lot from end of April to start of Sept. The third one shows another bed at the back that again only gets sunshine in the summer. Again what would be the recommendation here? And finally looking for somewhere in Ireland I can buy all of the recommendations online?? Loads of questions for any budding landscaper!! :-)