How much sun does the space receive (four hours morning sun, six hours afternoon sun, etc)?

Pretty sunny from early afternoon onwards- western exposure so only shaded in the morning

The hydrangeas beside the deck look happy so I don't think there's enough sun for herbs. Since it's a small space, I'd repeat the hydrangeas instead of adding another type of shrub.

If it's sunny from early afternoon on, you have the hottest sun of the day. Use plants that prefer full sun. If those are H. macrophyllas in front of the deck, I'm surprised they like all that hot sun. Me, I'd want some small trees to the west of the deck for shade, and probably another small tree in that small spot, again for shade for the house against the hottest sun of the day. Underplant it with low groundcover.

Honestly, you don’t have as much space for planting that you think you do, given your “plan.” I would start out by leveling the space. Then allow yourself a few feet for the growth of any plants (hydrangea?) against the window wall. Eyeballing it, I would say three to allow to grow. Augmentation of your soil will help them grow. (What is that wire coming out of your house and coiled? Please make sure that you have access to that if necessary.). Level out the space in front of the planting bed and place pavers on the side near the shower for your storage box, first. (I assume for deck cushions?). You won’t have much space left after you do that. I would plant herbs, etc. in pots that can be watered, tended, etc. and moved as needed. NO landscaping fabric. It isn’t necessary and will add to problems later as you try and plant. Start with foundation plants first…but give them space to grow!

How will you use the space? Outdoor room for sitting or dining. Garden only? You should focus on how the space will function.

I really like fresh herbs and if you choose the right types for the conditions, they are very tolerant. Also consider how much watering is required/maintenance. Based on those criteria, if it were me I’d do something like below. If adding a tree, consider size, so as not to block light/roots close to house.

Maybe Include ornamental grasses in your design.

I agree that 10 x 10 is too small for everything you want. Three Hydrangeas would pretty much fill it completely. I doubt that sun lovers like Lavender would be happy there unless it is full sun, which seems doubtful given it is surrounded on three sides. And, sadly, no plants deter mosquitoes just by their presence.

I do not think you would seat there , having deck next to it.

So my idea

or with planters

Please don't use random squiggly lines; that looks silly and makes it difficult to mow. It's unfortunate that the renderings you've received don't include the specified storage chest.

Would you want a simple water feature? we have a vintage steel stock tank with a small recirculating fountain and I am amazed at all the birds it attracts

I also wouldn’t plant right up against the house , or you’ll be pruning and working to prevent poor air circulation and mildew. So I’d bring any plantings out further and have a rudimentary maintenance- type pathway behind.

If you are a wildlife lover then planning a bird feeder that can be seen from deck would be fun. If worried about the feeder attracting unwanted varmints right by the house ( it happens; & we bring our feeder in at night), you could plant more of a pollinator garden, then mix in some smaller evergreens ( dwarf types) — these could be broad- leafed if in partial shade, vs conifers, but with a few perennial flowers and room for a largish container for annuals. Depends on access to water for maintenance also.

Why not enlarge the drck and then do some nice pots maybe even some herbs

I would use some trellis with vines to balance

I would just extend the deck and make it a more usable space...planted in front like your existing deck. You could add built in seating with storage.

I’m going to repeat ... 10 x 10 is too small for all the stuff in some of these suggestions. Wiggly edges with no rationale or respnse to the surroundings, out of scale trellises, shrubs, and furniture ... On your plan the side beds appear to be ca 2ft wide. That is too narrow for anything but annuals or dwarf perennials/ shrubs. The beds need to be wider and they also need space behind for maintaining your wall and fences. Keep it simple. It will look much better. Extending the deck or planting the whole area as a single, simple generous bed with your storage chest and a path to access it would make a lot more sense.

Here are some suggestions that are drawn to scale: