Lemon for me. I decided on a lemon for my patio because I thought that even if the fruits turned out unattractive they would still have every day culinary use and they did. Quince and lemon marmalade to die for. If you are restricted for space or climate go lemon.

I wouldn't paint the fencing white - if its a sun trap I think it will bounce the light and be so so blindingly bright! - it also shows all the dirt - we have a white picket fence and it needs repainting so often =( I would be temped to paint the fencing a green or grey colour and cover with trellis and pretty climbers. Or I've seen lovely wood fencing which silvers over time - it would be a bit softer than brilliant white. Re slabs - Look on ebay - we have had lovely slate slabs off their before. =D or reclamation yards. You could have a paved sitting area AND pebbled area with plants. Do you want any height to the plants to add privacy or a bit of shade? I think I'd be tempted to have a tree in a HUGE pot or some bamboo

Hi ED, Thanks! Yep the eye of faith is crucial with winter garden makeovers! It'll be loads more plant dominated in a year or two. There's already a pump in the pond, which works as a standalone fountain, but can be adapted to power a cascade on the wall behind. We're having all sorts of whacky ideas like building a 'marble run' style sculpture incorporating all our favourite things, (archaeology, sci fi etc) or a commissioned metal sculpture that looks like a steel version of Virginia creeper.

Hi there, It doesnt need to be all evergree  backdrop.You can go for evergreen climbers to cover the fences and then some nice upright flowering shrubs and perennials (if you have space) or flowering bulbs in front of it to give you year around intetest. Just a word about Climbing hydrangea: it is a lovely plant, but just be aware though that sometimes it can take some time for them to get established before they start flowering. I have encountered a few frustrated clients that had not seen a single flower after planting them, thinking that they had done something wrong, when in fact, it was just the plant's natural timing. In terms of raised beds, they have their advantages too. The soil in them warm up quicker than in the ground which means that the flowering season can start earlier for you. Also, it is easier on your back to garden on it than on the ground (have had clients that rediscovered their passion for gardening after I introduced raised beds for them, as they had back problems). My experience with my clients is that if you make them deep enough and introduce mulch, compost etc every year, the soil in them dont dry out too much at all. Hope it helps =)