new garden help

[desperateforaholiday]

We're moving into a new house in 2 weeks and the garden is in a right state, I'm a fairly novice gardener and ive got no idea where to start.
The garden is fairly large and secluded but the grass has gone wild and there are random patches of concrete
We haven't got much money to spend on it this year so I just want it looking neat and tidy and hopefully improve the grass.
Has anyone got any tips on what to do with it or where to start, I'm like a deer caught in the headlights when I look at it
Ive put I pic on my profile so you can all see the challenge I face

I would start with giving the grass a good cut and cut back any edges that have grown over the patio and path. The buy some lawn seed and mix with sand and compost and spread it over the lawn to revive it for next year.

Next i would mark out where i wanted my flower beds and cut them into the lawn, removing the grass and adding some top soil and compost to the newly made beds. Plant a few bulbs for the spring. Just some cheap daffs and next month tulips and any other spring bulbs that take your fancy. Then you can take your time thinking of what plants or bushes you want to fill the beds with next year.

Decide where you are going to put your compost bin and get one in place as soon as possible to start making compost for your next years plants.

Wow, that looks like a huge garden! If you are likely to be there for some time, I wouldn't do anything drastic just yet. cantspel has got some good ideas, and you could sort out the grass fairly quickly and cheaply by following her advice. Water the grass daily to get it established.
I think that garden needs shaped beds, not just lines up the sides, and this needs to be carefully planned. You'll also want to think about introducing some height.
Find out what cuttings you can get from people you know with established gardens.
Think about what you want to use the garden for - do you need space for children to play in, do you want to grow vegetables or herbs? Which way does the garden face? If it is in shade a lot of the time, that will affect which plants grow best.
I agree it's a good idea to put in bulbs ( daffs, tulips,bluebells) - that needs to be done within the next the month or so. If you haven't decided on a shape yet, I'd suggest putting in taller plants near the fences, so they will be at the back of any borders. Lavetera grows quickly once spring comes ( got a cutting from my mum which took a while to get established, didn't grow much over the autumn, but was lovely in spring and summer - comes in pink/lilac shades, and then you cut it back and it grows again the next year). Lilac trees also look pretty. Iris and lilies can be grown grown from bulbs, and a climbing rose could be easily trailed along the fence.
I'd recommend getting a few books from the library to get ideas, and visit garden centres just to get an idea. Growing plants from seed is way cheaper than buying established plants, and easy - just follow the instructions on the packet and water!

Have a look on YouTube at Alan titchmarsh's how to be a gardener series - I found it a really helpful beginners guide.

Your local council might sell subsidised compost bins.

Have fun

Just had a look at your photo, your garden is fab. It's a great blank canvas, those trees at the end will make it feel nice and secluded.

I would start with some pots on the patio (see the thread on winter bedding). That way when you look out the window, your eye will be drawn to the flowers rather than the lawn or random bits of concrete!

Thanks everyone, some excellent advice there. I will keep you updated with my progress, can't wait to get started