Need help…I want gardening to be something I love

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Hello all. We moved about 2 years ago and have acquired a lovely big garden.
Previous owners had been keen gardeners but stopped being able to manage it for a few years as they got older.

I really enjoy getting out there, I find it relaxing. However I am at a stage where I don’t know where to start. Most of the flower beds are really tatty, they blend into the grass, lots of weeds and most of the landscaping is broken / needs replacing.

we are not in a position to spend any money on any landscaping so I need to find a way myself.

I’ve started to explore plants, etc but don’t know how I get it in a state that means is ready for some planting. There are some big bushes that are very overgrown - I personally do not like them…do I just take them out? How can I neaten the borders ? Genuinely want to make this a lovely hobby for me, but am lost at the first steps!

I’ve had a small garden before and have been successful with basic stuff such as herbs, hydrangeas, lavender etc - but never had anything that is so big and messy. I’ve attached some pics and would be grateful for any ideas and advice

Make a plan of how you want it to look.

Then pick one area, sort it out and do it well. Then move to the next area, sort out and do it well then repeat.

Eventually it will all be done and you won't be overwhelmed by looking at the whole thing at once.

Great start on pruning the roses! They'll be happier and bloom for you this year. Give them a feed if you have a chance.

I really enjoyed it - I love being outside, I find the ‘doing’ of gardening so calming even if I was battling with a load of thorns bushes.

Is the big flowering shrub fragrant? It looks a bit like a Daphne. I think it's Viburnum tinus

Focusing on a bit at a time is a good idea. But make sure none of it gets really out of hand. So if you spot a bramble taking over or similar it's a good idea to get in there and get it out.

Once you've got a bit weeded and under control, mulch any bare ground - woodchip in a thick layer is excellent for this. It'll really help to keep the weeds under control and make it look tidy too. Tree surgeons will often deliver wood chip for free or very small cost if you have somewhere like a drive they can tip it.

Then hopefully you can leave the bit you've done and it should stay weed free.

Plant lots of bulbs in the autumn too - it looks like the kind of garden where they would look lovely.

Our garden was like this when we moved in 20 years. Over time we have taken out some things, but mostly we have just pruned and pruned and pruned! It's very satisfying. Do not use a hedge trimmer, you just end up with an unnatural and congested tree/shrub. The previous owners had used hedge trimmers and the poor shurbs were in a terrible state. Take some of the top off, and then remove whole branches from the middle. Much better for health and flowering too.

We have added three beds and planted five trees.

Every year I tackle a different bed. Last year we finally dug up a couple of the old shrubs, as they had not really ever done well, and weren't adding anything to the garden. I now have an area with a pergola, clematis, hostas and lots or other perennials.

This year I have completely dug up a small north facing front bed. It was congested with vinca, never plant vinca, and a very old fir. It's all come out and I will replant with hostas and ferns, and other shade loving types.

Something that can work with some old shrubs like rhododendron, camellia or holly is to give them a lift by cutting back branches which hang down to expose the main trunk or stems and give them more of a tree-like shape. Sometimes what’s underneath can be quite architectural and attractive and it makes the shrub less of a big solid mass. No idea if it would work with any of yours but might be worth considering.