Gardening novice with no idea!

Hello

I have to admit that I'm probably a poor example to gardeners everywhere! I have a small semi detached house and until now haven't had any real interest in the garden other than cutting the lawn with the result that it's now in urgent need of a good clear out and re-design. I wouldn't say this realisation has made me into a keen gardener but it does mean I've decided it would look much better tidy, weed free and low maintenance. Trouble is I don't know where to start or have any idea of costs.

I don't have the time (or fitness!) to clear out the weeds and brambles and I don't really have an idea of the best sort of garden that combines low maintenance without just being concrete slabs.

My questions (at last)
Any idea roughly how much I would expect to pay to have a 40' by 5' area heavy with brambles, bushes etc cleared back to soil
Any idea on what sort of garden would suit a 40' by 25' rear garden.
Any idea how much it would cost to have a simple design made.

Sorry if these are really basic questions.

Thanks

 

Hi Sweeney - what I did with a similar problem but a larger area was ring around some landscape gardeners for quotes. When they arrive, ask for their ideas as well as quotes, its surprising how a different view can help.
Depending what they say, you can judge if they have similar ideas to what you want and how much of it (if any) you can do yourself.
Good luck, please post your results!

 

Thanks. I hope I can get a bargain as my budget is limited