New garden, blank sheet, no idea!

[A34]

Hi
We moved last month, into a garden that is lovely, with potential, but with very little in it. I have no idea how to design it! I don't like 'over-designed' gardens, I don't need lots of hard landscaping, but I would like to grow a range of shrubs/plants that will complement each other. I don't want to just buy random stuff though. Does anyone have any ideas as to how I could start?
TIA.

We need a photo! Also which way does it face, and for extra points do you know anything about the soil?

You need to think about what you need the garden for - do you need somewhere to eat/sunbathe, a washing line, a shed, veg - as well as what you want the garden for - do you want it to look nice but need no work? or do you love gardening and want an absorbing hobby? do you want a football pitch for the kids or no lawn or a wildlife sanctuary... Then come back to us with a nice brief and you'll get loads of ideas!

Also give us an idea of size and shape. Long and thin or short and wide?

Thank you! It isn't that big - about 18m wide and 15 long. SW facing, with 3 big trees on the boundary which give loads of shade. It's mostly laid to grass at the moment. I don't sunbathe and love gardening but am quite constrained by arthritis. I may need a gardener in the future. No football - I'm retired now. It is on 2 levels with a slope in the lawn - I'd quite like to make this a feature. I am quite a knowledgeable gardener re plants etc, just not design!!!! I'd like to learn the skills to do it myself. I love flowers!

If you are constrained by arthritis but love to garden and love plants, raised beds can work really, really well. You can have them built quite high, with a ledge on the top/side which would allow you to perch on it while weeding/admiring the plants.

Thanks that's a great idea.