What to do with this area? Advice needed.

When I first started gardening in February 2014 this entire part of the garden was overgrown and neglected. It's basically next to a gravel path which used to be a dead end leading to a dead tree stump and loads of nettles. We cleared that and it developed quite nicely with gifted plants, moved roses/shrubs and things grown from seed/cutting...

I've kept on top of the weeds here by digging them up pronto. But I never did anything with the area where the bench can be seen in the photos. It's been left as grass and weeds and in all honesty, although this area gets sun til later than near the house (we are East facing) I don't sit on the bench as it sinks into the ground!

I had a small patio in my head til now but I'm not sure, plus I have LOADS of roses, shrubs and perennials in pots which I'm worried won't survive winter. Greenhouse won't hold them all.

The gravel path, which is plagued with wood aven, just tails off near the stepping stones which is annoying.
So, I want to do something with it, plus maybe redo the part I have already done. The bed to the other side is aldo full of meadow/couch grass so I'll have to deal with that.
Here's some pictures, I'd really appreciate some advice. I've treated it all with SBK but what now? If I'm going to do a patio there I'd ideally redo the path.

View past the developed flowerbed.


The area in question after weedkiller.

This shows what I mean about the gravel path just tailing off. There is a bit of wood edging to this still in place.

Thanks for any advice in advance, sorry for the long post but I need help!

 

Patio sounds a good idea. You could use it as a nice seating area. You could even build a wooden pergola over it.

 

If the bench sinks Charlie then that will obviously have to go. What about a rockery in that area?

https://www.google.com/search?q=roc...oTCPOy78mrmMgCFYbsFAod6f0H1w&dpr=0.95#imgrc=_

 

I don't have much luck with alpines sadly @Sheal ...plus our existing rockery (was already here) is a slug hotel! Patio is a big want for the future, but funds are too tight atm as we just got married.
Sooo I have decided to keep removing weeds, improve the soil and possibly repair the path edging a bit and have a cutting bed there next year, mostly of dahlias and a few annuals. I could use it as a nursery bed over winter but I don't think I've got the time...

 

Congratulations on your wedding! I believe you were growing your own flowers for it, did they work out?

 

Yes I did ok. Some things were either finished by then or not gotten going due to the rubbish summer, but 60 quid spent at the wholesalers and a bit of creativity and it all worked out. I'll post some pictures when I get a chance.

 

No, the summer weather didn't help. I hope it stayed dry for your special day though.

Yes, I'd like to see some pics, thanks.

 

I think you need a lawn care services since you cannot handle this by your own

 

What?
This is not a lawned area in the pictures. It did gave some grass which I have killed off on purpose.