What to do with my tiny garden/back yard? Pic included

[Planetpopper]

As you can see, it’s a tiny space.
we have a shed to one side and the wheelie bin on the other.
We plan to sell up and buy a house with more garden in the next couple of years, but for now.
I’m thinking a small bench in the middle up against the back wall, it’s a good sun trap in the summer, especially mornings.

I’m thinking some planters on the walls too.

A small bench which is also an arbor that you can grow jasmine or some other climber over?

You might be better putting this in Property/DIY or Gardening.

the first thing I would be to sort the paving out and possibly jet wash the wall but I don't always like the harsh cleanness of jet washing.

Also, a home for the bin (bin hutch).

I would but a bench and lots of pots to grow plants and flowers in.

I think the paving and wall are charming. I hate over-"neatened" yards, to me they look cold and fake.

Agree about bin store though. Nothing charming about a giant plastic box on wheels!

You can get planters that clip onto drainpipes, filled with something show stopping they make an impact. I’d suggest over plant with red petunias.
Definitely get some nice ceramic planters. I absolutely agree about a bench with an arbour, then plant up something like jasmine that likes to grow upwards, it has a heavenly scent too.
Maybe a small folding bistro table and a couple of folding chairs could help make it a more useable space.
Take a trip to a nice garden centre, they’ll give you loads of inspiration. I could spend a small fortune in them.

Paint wall cream, chuck a load of cotswold type stones down, attach cheap bamboo screening to your wall. Put a couple of narrow long planters on top of wall part with nasturtium and any climber you like. If you want a bench you could but a chair or 2 maybe more use able. Paint shed front or bit facing you too.

I would paint the wall white or terracotta, add planters and climbers, a bistro set, and put a garden mirror with shelf (for more plants) on the side of the shed. Give the patio a good clean and plug the gaps with low growing, scented plants like a chamomile or creeping thyme. Hide the bin and if possible add a couple of hanging baskets. Have a look on Pinterest for mediterranean courtyard ideas. It could look really lovely, a little haven 😊

So you dont have access to the grass bit above the wall?

If that's the case then I'd put decking on the concrete slabs and paint them, probably black, and grow some climbing style of plants against them. Perhaps roses.

Maybe add a few strings to grow a climber across like a clematis or listeria.

Id put in a tiny water fountain to mute background noise and put in lots of fresh smelling things like mint or roses.

Seating - I'd go for something more comfortable than a bench if you can, either a hanging chair or table and chair and perhaps put it to one side so that you can see all of your garden and greenery rather than looking back at your house. If you do go for a bench in the middle, try to make the wall of your house look nice - climbers, bird feeders, nest boxes etc x

ordinarily I would agree with you as I hate over neatened spaces where they end up "clinical" However, the paving is a trip hazard that will deteriorate further. Replacement paving doesn't have to be cold and fake!

the centre part of the wall appears to be breeze block. If it is, I'd give it a "rustic" rendering and paint it.

Could you lift one of the flags to dig a hole? Then either a smallish tree or three climbers to train up and over in different directions.

Choose plants that flower at different times of the year so you get birds and insects for interest. A local garden consultant will help you there and may help you source local flora best suited to your microclimate.

What is your back door/wall like? Must you have a seat in the garden itself or would simply opening up to the space be enough? One sitting space is more efficient than two.

Build a bin store then grow jasmine over the wall and store, and cram the space with pots – plus the bench and tuck an outdoor mirror on the wall somewhere behind the plants. SIL’s parents have a similar size space and have done this and it gives the illusion of a giant garden overgrown: just enough room to sit on the bench and have a mug of tea, but feels as though if they cut back the jungle they’d reveal acres. In reality if they cut back the jungle they’d reveal a bin, a wall and some broken paving.

I'd replace the paving, which shouldn't be too onerous since it's a small space. I've also seen outdoor rugs which might be nice in the summer - they're weatherproof so you wouldn't necessarily have to put them away if it rained.
Definitely paint that back wall and get a bench or bistro set. Put all the tools/bin away and it would look instantly tidier.
I like plants in pots, that you could take with you when you move.

Like this incredible garden plan I have knocked up for you

@bussteward Love this!

I'd tip a few bags of gravel on top of uneven paving stones. It's very cheap and would smarten it up and prevent trip hazard. The seat with arbour over top is good. You could plant fast growing honeysuckle and clematis up sides of arbour. I'd add a very small bistro table and two pots planted up with red geraniums and busy Lizzie's. Put up screen to close of bin. Don't paint back wall. They look better with natural stones. I suspect you could smarten it up for £150.