I like the fencing and vegetation and I don't dislike artificial grass but think there is just a bit too much of it in this situation. Still, the boys will love the space and at least it won't have to be mowed constantly. I am looking myself at how to design a small front and medium sized rear garden without grass - it is too high maintenance for me now.

Absolutely lovely, such a warm atmosphere. Love the ambient lighting, seating area and the planters behind the seating.

Hi there, The square back part of your garden has exactly the same measurements as mine! I had the same dilemma when trying to come up with a design for it: trying to find one that wouldn't look just like a dinning set with plants around it, but what I found is that if you want to have an eating area on a garden this size, then you don't have much space left, and trying to create rooms would just make it feel very packed and small (which you don't want). So I embraced the seating area surrounded by plants. I used raised beds, which bring the planting up to the eye level and when you are sitting in the garden it gives you a nice feeling of being surrounded, almost embraced by nature. I would reserve the side return area for your child to play and, maybe in the future it could become an additional seating area (its good to have seating area in different places of the garden so that you can follow the sun - or the shade, whatever you prefer, through the day) with more nice planting. As Sonia pointed out, your paving looks in good condition, and I would add that it fits the Mediterranean style that you are looking for, which is very good, since hardscaping can be an expensive part of a garden. The walled garden/courtyard also add up to the Mediterranean look, the next thing you could do is go for a Mediterranean style planting with a neat, contemporary feel (easy to do in a garden with the aspect that yours have). If you need any additional help, I do garden design and consultations, including sketches and planting plans, which are very affordable options. Please get in touch if you are interested. Good luck with your garden! Deborah The Rooted Concept Garden Designs deborahbiasoli@gmail.com

Is the other side of the wall your land? If it is then that is where I would plant supported climbers that will grown up and over the wall to give you hanging gardens. Bougainvillea springs to mind but not sure how it grows in your climate but I’m sure you will find something equally decorative.