Lawn borders for the gardening incompetent

[PinkyBurgerhead]

Please, I'd appreciate any opinions or advice as my gardening knowledge is pitiful minimal. So please, explain it to me like I'm 5 years old....!

We have a nice lawn with gaps round the edges. One of the edges is in the shade of a tree, the other two are pretty sunny.

I would like the borders to look presentable in the winter and pretty in the spring/summer. I do not want anything poisonous at all as I have a child who eats everything. Some little spots of veg or something would be interesting... I would like to have all this for not that much work, and not that much money!

SO, I was thinking...er... bulbs? Daffodils? Can I leave them forever and expect them to bloom every year? Clear a spot for some onions or something?

I would be very grateful for someone taking the time to think about this and giving me some advice! What shall I do at this time of year? I am dead keen at the moment, so would appreciate a mission!

Many thanks!!!