As a starter, if you haven't already considered it. we have seen a huge influx of people using artificial grass in their gardens recently. It is easy to maintain and has a number of uses. i.e. you can use it with garden furniture all year round. Hope this helps :)

The existing terrace is a good size and once cleaned up could look presentable if budgets don't allow to replace it. I'd avoid timber decking in this location if its frequently in shade as it'll green up and become slippy! You could look at composite decking if you really liked the idea of decking and you could overboard on top of the existing slabs (on a subframe) to avoid taking it up. Little things such as changing the manhole cover for a recessed cover with paving set within and taking up some paving along the fence to allow some planting will all help to reduce its starkness. In particular the manhole is on the main site line from the patio doors so its a easy win to change the cover to a recessed one. As for the garden approach overall, avoid straight lines that take your eye immediately down the garden to the end! Use a meandering path instead or staggered geometric layout that takes you across the garden making it appear larger. Artificial grass could replace the lawn to allow areas of green but without the maintenance and allows heavy use from children and pets without wear. The end of the garden is an ideal 'destination' spot to providing a focal point with covered seating, perhaps a pergola over, paint, timber slat or plant the garage wall to provide an attractive foil with some down lighters for evening atmosphere. Its got lots of potential but to have a grand plan is a must to stay on strategy and avoid a random collection of unrelated features. Good luck!

Anyone??

Summerhouse should look good although I’m also a little concerned it might detract light from your house windows. However the little viewing window should be a lovely place to sit 🙂. Personally I’d concentrate on the hard landscaping first after the summerhouse is built. Paving next to the house. Get rid of the gravel! (I just think gravel is a bad idea on a slope) and replace with more defined steps but leave a decent size gap between steps and fence so you can pop in a row of plants which will soften the look. Down the bottom you could shape it however you’d like but try and keep a consistent theme throughout, same materials, colours etc. I’m thinking a rockery would look fab where your current curved raised bed is, just needs the right plants ( and a few rocks 😄). Probably best to call a landscaper in for paving or steps but as you say you’re on a budget and if you’re enthusiastic enough then it’s definitely possible to diy it. Might be an idea to wait till spring/ summer. If you do remove the gravel then it might be a bit of a mudslide this time of year. Here’s a few ideas: