Patio inspiration

[Thelovecats]

I have a patio/concrete area along the back of the house, divided from the main lawn by a retaining wall (the patio is 2 steps lower than lawn) it is very windy and exposed but gets lots of sun. I want to add some interest (that won't blow away!), what can I do? I am on a budget and have 2 small children and another on the way, so cheap, cheerf and colourful would be good :) Thanks for any abuce you can give a clueless outdoor decorator!

What sort of interest - plants in pots? If so you need stuff that won't mind drying out or you'll need an irrigation system. Mediterranean plants and stuff with silvery leaves and woody herbs - rosemary/thyme/sage/bay in a pot; lavender, santolina, lambs ears. A globe artichoke if you've got space for a big dramatic container.

Yes I do need some plants in pots, def need ones that don't mind drying out! I have a lavender hedge along the top of the retaining wall on one side already and it does really well. Is there anything that wouldn't mind an exposed position in wall baskets? Ones fixed to the wall probably not hanging because of the wind. Also, does anyone have any thoughts on garden decorations for walls? Or can I plant things in pots to climb up a trellis or something? I don't want twee, but I want more interest for the kids, and to distract from the brown pebbledash walls :D