Blank canvas - where to start?

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Hello all - bit of a gardening novice here (just normally keep on top of maintenance) but I'm looking to really get to work on our front and back gardens.

Back is due South. At the moment just patio and turfed lawn, longer than it is wide. It gets a bit shady at the back due to some large trees on the other side.

Front is mostly lawn. We tried a few roses along the path but for the most part they didn't take. The lawn is quite weedy, prone to moss, and doesn't have much good going for it!

What's the best way to get started? I've done a lot of browsing of websites but finding it hard to nail down what the main decisions should be. I picked out some things that I thought would grow well under the conditions we have but then there's mixed information elsewhere - i.e. something described as shade loving somewhere requires partial or full sunshine elsewhere. Has anyone come across any useful resources for when both you and the garden are pretty much starting from scratch? Thank you!

Start with what you want from the garden. So veg plot, pond, shaded seating, sunny seating etc. what is a garden to you ideally.
Hard landscaping is the thing that makes gardening work, so paths, raised beds, trellis etc. they create zones, and structure which you know what to do with . start to make lists that evolve into plans.
Also watch things like Garden Rescue on iPlayer for inspiration.
And don’t be put off when plants don’t work. I’ve been gardening for 30 years and I’ve killed loads of plants!

I'd be asking why the roses didn't take before spending any more money to be honest.
And yes your wish list, your absolutely no gos etc

I'd start with a seat. put a nice bench somewhere where you can sit and get a bit of a view - maybe looking back towards the house. then plant a couple of nice shrubs beside it - things that will have a scent. Then work along from there & plant more things to make a border. And just try things out.

I'd go for a few shrubs , some of them evergreen for all year colour . Plant some bulbs , again spring summer , and Autumn ones , a few annuals , and then bedding plants for a good summer display .