Where to start with my garden?

[MyVisionsComeFromSoup]

OK, garden has been badly neglected over the past few years, and I have health restrictions on what I can and can't do. I can't dig, but I can trowel a bit, I need to stop and rest A LOT, I can do several short bursts a day (max 30 minutes at a time maybe) But, I need to get on top of it, and sort out some easy to manage borders and raised beds.

Here's where I'm at - I have several raised beds which are supposed to be for soft fruit and "interesting" veg, but are currently overgrown with weeds, grass and totally out of control raspberry canes. Some are empty (of topsoil), some need the topsoil replacing. How do I clear the weeds bearing in mind my lack of digging? I'd prefer not weedkiller, but as proper digging is out of the picture, is that something I need to resort to? Can I bung a load of black plastic over it all, kill off the weeds, then put topsoil on top of that? (I can get help barrowing topsoil around, but no-one is especially interested in the weeding side of things ) Or do I need to remove the soil the weeds are in?

Similarly with a flower border, overgrown with weeds and some brambles (which come through under the fence from next door annoyingly) - does that all need to be dug out, or is there some magic thing I can do?

I may have to resort to getting someone in to redo the garden so that I can manage it, but I feel I should make an effort myself first .

Any tips?

[user1491572121]

Don't clear the weeds yourself if you can afford to pay someone. Get that done by someone who won't be wiped out by it.

[MyVisionsComeFromSoup]

I might have to, depressing as it is

[JT05]

Getting a general gardener in to clear and tidy up will allow you not to be overwhelmed and then to enjoy the fun bit of choosing plants and planting.

[Tatiebee]

If you can afford to I'd suggest hiring a harder as a one of to clear the weeds, leaving you with all the nice jobs to do.

[Rojak]

Could you try the no dig method with your raised beds? Google no dig gardening.