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We've toyed with putting pots and plantar boxes along the inside of the front wall but now we have come up with a new idea.
Laying a row of brick or block inside the line of the existing wall (making the inside wall the same height as the existing wall - noting there is a step on the pavers already)
Rendering the brick or block the same colour as the existing wall (or getting the whole wall re-rendered)
Adding a waterproof membrane to the inside of the walls (and the paving floor).
Drainage - there is no access to the storm water pipes so I'm thinking of having an Ag line going contra to the natural slope of the pavers (away and to the gate) and then having a weep hole to discharge the excess water trickle to the front path (away from the gate)
We were then thinking of a colourful ground cover (good afternoon sun facing due West) as well as higher plants like Ficus hillii "Emerald" to help shade the courtyard in summer and add a little privacy.
Anyone out there with something to add that we haven't thought of? Ideas? Improvements? A better way?
Hi @Greg_W
Great plan will look great when its done.
Just some points for you to consider.
The sloped brick work will need reasonably skilled person to do that well but it is the best option.
You wont need to add a waterproof membrain as it isnt a fish pond to hold water. In fact the reverse I would want to drill concrete holes or break through the cement underneath with a jack hammer inside the new brick wall to try and get to ground earth again so water can drain down wards and also plant roots can dig down and be more drought robust with deeper roots.
I would make it 900mm wide to allow a nice plant showing. and root room.
Research your ficus cultivar as to their root growing habit you wanted as they have at times damaging root systems.
They may need that concrete intact to retain the roots.
See where this takes you and others can help too.
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