Can you help me fix our sad, sorry front yard?

[MovingToPlan]

Pictures show the view from the front door, which is dreary and depressing for us going in and out, and not a great welcome for visitors either!

We only just moved in a few months ago, so have been taken up with lots of other things, but this is starting to really get to us. (and I feel like it will be even more depressing in the winter..)

It's northwest facing, so whatever plants we add need to be happy with that.

Things we've discussed so far -

1. remove the paint from the wall, and repoint the brick. The house is on a steep sloping hill, and that wall is holding back a road.
2. At the very least power wash the asphalt but eventually I'd like to replace the flooring entirely. Not sure what with, mind.
3. Wooden bin store
4. Some kind of seating area with an ornamental tree, maybe a small barrel pond to encourage wildlife out there
5. pollinator friendly plants in the raised bed areas
6. New gate

It's a large space crying out for love and attention. Any clever ideas would be gratefully received!

We'd like to do most of the work ourselves, I'm very much a 'have a go' type person but the wall does make me a tad nervous due to its size and the importance of it being solid.

I had similar a couple of years back - new place has large terrace that had been a builder’s dump. NW facing.

I did suck it and see with plants in pots, geraniums always work and are wildly cheery for first step.

MN has been invaluable for advice on other plants I rescued. My tip: don’t spend £400 on a glorious tree that snuffs it. Buy small plants that grow fast eg wisteria & jasmine that are tough as old boots.

I made a retreat nook first, painted one wall yellow to add light. Lick do good outdoor paint. Chair essential so you can sit out and plan further gardening.

Yellow. ‘Bistro sets’ ie table & 2 chairs are pence at this time of year.