i think the most important thing is to work out first of all how you would like to use the garden space, whether its to relax in, socialize in, kids/grandkids to play in, to enjoy from the house and or different focal points within the garden, is there an area that gets say evening sun and that's the time you both get home and want to enjoy a meal/drink in the evening sun? do you need storage areas? outside cooking area? how much time do you have to spend upkeeping it? (and be honest! too many people aren't believe me lol), how much money you have to spend, both on landscaping and maintenance, once you really know what you want from it, have a search though houzz at the different styles of gardens and start getting an idea of what you like and come up with a board with clippets of different styles, doesn't matter if it takes time, best to get the basic's right before spending any money before planting, its worth getting the soil tested for its type, ph and nutrient level, this will also help work out what plants you will be able to grow sorry I haven't helped with styles or direct ideas, I feel its your own space and to get the best from it you need to understand more what you require from it and what you can give to get out of it most of all good luck and enjoy turning the lovely space into a garden that you can enjoy

Hi there 81bec. I'm not sure if you've gotten started on the chances to your patch of garden, but if you haven't here are some tips, from someone who also loves low maintenance gardens that are drought proof but look gorgeous all year round..start buy getting rid of the camellia, what ever evergreen is hiding behind it and the red robin..leaving the one plant you actually seem to like, the Cordyline (good choice). Rake away all the gravel and lay down some good compost (after planting, layer over with mulch as it'll stop weeds and retain moisture, resulting in a lower maintenance garden). Next, put a piece of trellis against the side of the porch that currently has the camellia and evergreen and plant a Trachelospermum Jasminoides (Star Jasmine)-it's evergreen, a climber, low maintenance and has dark green leaves in summer with clusters of strongly fragrant white star-shaped flowers and rusty red leaves in winter, lovely. Next, plant a mix of Pennisetum Firework grass and Ox-eye daisies (sometimes called Marguerite) at the back near the wall. In the middle "row" plant a mix of Stipa Tenuissima (Mexican Feather Grass) and Echinacea (purple coneflower) and in the front, maybe either side of a wooden love seat, plant Chasmanthium Latifolium (Spangle grass). All are showstoppers year round, low maintenance, drought proof and do well in sun or semi-shade. The grasses all need the same kind of care once a year, as do the flowers, meaning you only have to do maintenance twice in a year as well as a little watering when it's really dry in exchange for year round interest and beauty that will perfectly compliment the Cordyline. Hope this was helpful. If you have any question on maintenance of any of those plants I'll be happy to help.

Hi Alex A blank space - and a great one too! West is best so you are going to have a lot of options, not only how you'd like to use the space, but also so many plants, trees and shrubs are going to love your space. My advice is to sit down with a cold beer/chilled glass of something nice and imagine yourself in that space and how you'd actually use it. If you aren't a keen gardener, you do probably don't want high maintenance. Grass needs cutting at leat once a week in the growing season, so if you'd rather be doing something else, think more about different hard landscaping options. Gardens really need some thought as although they are cheaper than interiors (by and large) per square foot, they can also be extremely disruptive to put right if you decide you don't like your new paving/garden studio/shed somewhere down the line! A pink interior wall you hate can be repainted easily - gardens have to be dug up! Beth Chatto famously created her garden garden out of an area of old car park, so your tennis court might be perfect for a low maintenance drought garden. Could be modern or traditional - whatever makes you happy. Remember your garden is there to please no-one else but you... Feel free to get in touch for advice. Lucy

A lot of organisations are now going against artificial grass as it is not good for the environment, it has a high carbon footprint. I've never been a fan for a long time, as Sonia said, more plastic..... Your garden has some nice existing planting already and it would be a shame to loose it. It would be worth getting a professional out for a consultation and maybe they would come up with some alternative ideas, and keep it "lower" maintenance but also a great place to unwind.