Help with ‘zones’ please!

[EmJay19]

Hi I am drawing a blank so would love some ideas.

Recently moved to new house and had garden levelled with a lawn and bedding space at edge, thought that would be job done.

Since watching more gardening programmes have realised ‘zones’ seems to be the way to go atm and sounds a lot more fun and usable. Where to start though?

The only thing we’ve added so far are some plants in the shady zone (top left) the rest is still bare. It’s a huge rectangular shape (about 30m x 15m) so lots of potential.

House layout: the downstairs of the house is split level and so is the garden. The kitchen / diner has bifolds opening onto the upper patio which then has steps down into the garden. The utility room is on a slightly lower floor and opens up onto the lower patio. The patio stones are all new.

Wish list:

Patio. The last of the evening sun is in the top right hand corner so we currently have that space earmarked for a patio.

Mud kitchen / play area for little ones

Some lawn space

Some sort of ‘walkthrough’ garden space with plants either side

Washing line

Sheltered area shielding sun / rain

Swing?

Anything else to consider?

Totally new to gardening so the lower maintenance the better.

All ideas greatly appreciated!