What to do with my small garden space?

[naturegrowstheseed]

Total novice here, as you can see!

We have a downstairs (with the table and chairs) and an L shaped upstairs, with a play house and little slide thing. It's quite small but overgrown.

What's the best way to make use of this space? Thinking of getting rid of the playhouse as it's never used and only houses spiders and snails. See also the slide which is never used.

Any ideas would be gratefully received. Planning to do something with it for this summer I say this every year

I have a 3 year old, if that is any influence. There is also a large communal garden outside of our space.

I'd like something that looks pretty but also won't cost a bomb and won't be much upkeep.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

Hello, nature here are some pics of my Melbourne bromeliad wall. I'm sure there'll be a version for cooler climates

www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CDAQFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.networkonnet.co.nz%2Findex.php%3Fsection%3Deducation%26id%3D391&ei=rVIkVdGENIri8AW7moDYCg&usg=AFQjCNGxFhZO2PAnsbcLN9Em9DBbRqG2Og&bvm=bv.90237346,d.dGc

Well, that was bizarre, though an interesting read in itself. I'll try again later. Meanwhile have a look at my post on the thread about half-empty tropical garden, about ten topics down.

Haha

Will check it out. Thanks!

What's under all the ivy on the left of the main picture? Wall, railings? I would start by removing that to leave you with an even blanker canvas! Does that area get much sun?

Hiya
I started another thread on chat here for traffic. Please take a look!

It's a fence behind that ivy, I can't bear it but have no idea where the roots are, could be in the neighbours garden