Some Inspiration, some tips, advice needed and gratefully received ☺

Welcome to Gardeners Corner

There's a lot of different Geology along the border, so can't help there, but if it smells slightly sulphurous then it's probably clay, as the organic mater is sealed in it and starts to rot when it's exposed to the air.

 

I wish I could do a sketch but here goes with a few ideas....
If Mrs s.f. uses a washing whirlybird, knock a hole in the hard surface near the house and put a holder in flush with the surface.
What about a narrow border full of herbs just the other side of the low wall so they're near the kitchen as well. Most are quite attractive in their own right.
Borrow some hosepipe (brightly-coloured if poss) and lay out the lines of borders and lawn on the ground, then run up and downstairs to the back bedroom to check the layout until it looks right.
Try to avoid narrow, pointy bits of lawn between other surfaces....they're horrible to try to mow.
Ditto gravel next to the lawn...it's impossible to keep them separate!
A veg plot will need to be in the sunniest possible position...you might find yourself sunbathing amongst your sprouts
Sheds don't have to be brown or orange....they fade into the background well if painted mossy green or bluey/greeny/grey.

 

Thanks for the replies so far. I'm going to do some sketches (not that I can draw) but then I can get a few ideas down and show you lovely people. [emoji3]

down in sunny Dorset/Somerset border

 

Noisette....I am Mrs S.f btw!! Introducing myself as Amy

down in sunny Dorset/Somerset border

 

to GC Amy

 

That's a lovely garden to work with. You say they are about to build on the field so I'd seriously consider planting trees or large shrubs against the back fence for privacy as soon as possible. New build gardens are so small now that you're likely to be overlooked.

 

welcome

 

Thanks for the welcomes [emoji4] [emoji4] screen wise....I was wondering about leylandii....are they as fast growing as people say? that, or box. But only because I like the look of conifers or box hedging.

I wish I could speed ahead and get so much done already....I'm slow to start though, I haven't even bought wellies yet! It seems every time I think I'm free to do some work something crops up. [emoji53] well....it'll probably always be a work in progress

down in sunny Dorset/Somerset border

 

Welcome!

Don't plant Leylandii on a border. They are as fast growing as people say and you'll need access to both sides to trim it.
To be honest you are already overlooked by the existing neighbours anyway

Cheap plants can usually be found at car boot sales in the spring. Keep an eye on the charity shops for the "Expert" series of books by Dr.D.G.Hessayon and the RHS Encyclopaedia of Plants. Have a good look at these to try to decide what you may want/is suitable.

Re the Pampas Grass - get shot! Nasty things in my opinion. Trouble is that it is often said that the only way to get rid of them is to burn them out. The space can be given over to something far more garden worthy.

I also think that you may be surprised how much sun the garden gets in the growing season.

 

I donned heavy gloves and clothing and dug out the OH's huge clump of pampas grass. It took me a day but it got rid once and for all.