First time gardener - what do I need to know?

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I've just moved to a house and now have a garden to look after. I have no clue about anything but am really keen to grow herbs/veg and some colourful flowers. I have a small patio, lawn and a small bed to grow things in.

Can anyone recommend some books or sites to get inspiration and help from? I need the absolute basics as I really am clueless!

TIA

Go to the library and see which books suit you before investing in one. Perhaps you could get people to give you (or your DCs) small plants or seeds for Easter/ birthdays to get you started out.
Mint is easy quick ground cover, but it will take over if you don't contain the roots.
Alpine strawberries make smaller fruits but take no looking after.
Courgettes grow readily (plant out after all frost risk is past) and crop heavily all summer.
Blueberries need acid soil but are pretty all year round.
Start with what you like to eat that is expensive and grow a bit of that to start.

Thanks for the tips , can't wait to get started!

I love Sarah Raven's website. Lots of flowers for sale with lots of info about when to plant things.

I also look at a lot of videos on youtube (basically think of a veg/herb you want to grow and look it up, and there will be tons) Learnt most of what I know from there!

I have Carol Klein's 'Grow your own veg' too and can recommend that.

I'm excited for you! I only got into gardening last year and to say I am obsessed is an understatement. It gave me so much pleasure last year and I can't wait to get going this year. There is nothing like planting seeds and watching them grow (and then scoffing the produce at the end of it)