Sorry forgot to mention we're in the UK, although that is probably obviously looking at the dreary pictures!

Do you want a dedicated play area for children?

We have a large space at the front of the house which we tend to use for football etc, so I don't think a dedicated play area is necessary. We would still like some lawn area.

Just a few thoughts. First I would relocate the plants to the right of the walk as seen in this photo.

I would make uniform beds around the perimeter of the yard.

I made the lawn into an easier shape for the person who operates the lawn mower.

Plants would go in the new bed areas.

What is the goal for the pile of rocks?

Looks like every neighbor has installed their own length of fence. If it will grow in your area, bamboo could hide their fences and unify your yard. If it won't grow, then DIY a fence of it pretty cheaply to give your garden some identity of its own.

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Thank you for your comments and ideas.

The fencing will be replaced and we're getting rid of the stones. Not sure where to put the bamboo - possibly near the shed or in the space on the right patio area?? I'm hoping by the time the extension is built and the garden is finished that it will be unrecognisable!

Ignoring the lawn space which I know will need planting, what do you think of these designs for the patio space?

Taking on board comments from previous posts I’ve widened the patio in places but still
don’t know if this is workable space. What do you think?

I’ve shown two ideas. No.1 having lounge space in the right hand corner. No. 2 using this space for vegetables instead. My vision/hope is to create a space similar to the Houzz images at the end.

No.1

No2.

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The paved portion looks more realistic and workable.

I'm not sure why you think that placing some sort of screen/barricade between the paving and lawn is a "plus." Maybe some very LOW plants could enhance the edge (not a thin line, but a swath). Plants do not need to be under one's nose in order to be enjoyed. Placing something to look at, at a distance -- such as the perimeter -- might be more valuable.

Thank you for your comment. To be honest, I'm not sure why either! Having looked more, I think we'll go for the wall being flush with the lawn as in the photos above and as you say add some planting around the perimeter.

Do you think we should use the space to the right for more seating or vegetables? I like the idea of having a small manageable patch but not sure where we are best placed to have one. I also like the idea of outside seating and a fire pit!

In terms of planting I like grasses and architectural looking plants but I know relatively little about what will grow etc. so will have to do some research.

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Talented garden designers abound in the UK!! Have you considered enlisting the services of one? Not only will they help you with the layout and best configuration for both hardscaping and planting areas but they can be invaluable with plant selection well suited for you area and conditions. Cost is typically not outrageous and well worth the investment.

Bamboo may be a horrible idea. Once it gets in it can spread like wildfire and it's almost impossible to get rid of. Also, take the clotheslines down.

There is running bamboo and there is clumping bamboo :-) One is a very aggressive spreader and the other is a very well-behaved garden addition. Not all bamboos are created equal!!

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9) thank you for your replies. Getting on board a landscape designer would be lovely but we are having an extension built in the next couple of months so money is accounted for - a little naively we thought we could do the garden after the extension but we've realised if we don't do something we won't actually be able to open the door s of the extension! Plus the dog and child with their mucky footprints will end up destroying our lovely new space and it seems it will be cheaper if the builder creates the footprint of the space at the same time as digging out foundation etc. .

I would get the builder to do the paving and any walls. But I'd leave plant choices until later. You have plenty of time. You can plant all year round in our climate and once the paving is in place and you've sat out there a few times you'll gave a better idea of where you want your planting. I would say again I'd not remove that lovely old hawthorn unless it is a poor flowerer. It has lots of character and if you're interested in having birds in your garden it will be a boon. I wouldn't bother with bamboo personally. It's very trendy at the moment but there are hundreds of more interesting choices in your climate imo. And as for taking the clothesline down, well.... there's nothing like outdoor dried laundry and it is the best choice environmentally. And presumably it's there because you use it. You can always get an extendable one which is invisible when not in use. This is your home, not a show house and garden.

Floral, thank you for your reply!

The plants will definitely have to wait as funds are dry but I'm going to use the time to get some cuttings from friends and research what we like.

The clothes line is retractable I just forgot to take it down :-) and totally agree outside dried clothes are the best, plus they don't need ironing. Win win.

May use the bamboo between us and neighbours to the right but possibly in planters so not to spread.

I'm not a pro, but seeing your laundry lines made me smile. I also wondered what would happen to it if you removed the tree :-)

Insofar as using the "space to the right" for "more seating or vegetables" ....? It totally depends of you, your family's lifestyle and what is important to you/them. You may be able to fit both of these elements in .... just not in the same space. Or maybe one "need" is fleeting and one is long term. Maybe you have a lot of parties and need overflow seating. Think through the issues as best you can and try to pin down what is important. Too, the conditions the yard offers (light) will matter with growing vegetables. You're there and can see it. I don't think I have a good total view of the environment yet.

The last photo you added ("Country House Garden") is a good example of pointlessly cutting off a view by having tall plants at the upper level/back of retaining wall. One cannot well see the lovely lawn space beyond. It would be better if plants this area (if any) were VERY low.)

You've definitely convinced me not to have a corridor of planting or anything blocking the lawn and the merits of planting to the outer edges of the garden. We have a few months before we need to finally determine how best to use the space to the right and in that time will also get a better idea of the light we get there.

Thanks to everyone's comments and advice I'm now feeling much happier and more 'on track' with the garden. :)