I agree that tacking that wobbly looking fence would be my first task but it could be put off if funds are tight and you are not planting directly against it.
Install a post and rail or similar fence on top of the low patio wall plus a gate (essential toddler control measures).
Consider dividing the grassy area into two zones, with a safe play area at the bottom of the garden through an archway, screen of tough non-thorny climbers, small trees etc., so not having the trees at the end, which will draw your eye directly to the bottom and accentuate the length.
The play zone could simply be a sand pit and a few toys, don’t spend a fortune. It could double as an adult retreat whilst baby is finding its feet, then play zone then back to adult retreat when they are grown ups.
The middle section between patio and play zone could be the largest, keep mostly grass for future games, but you might also consider, when funds allow, creating a raised border on the sunnier side to plant how you like. If it’s raised a foot or two it will be toddler-proof so long as you plant tough but non-spiky plants at the front.
The zones don’t have to be square boxes, they can be asymmetrical or curved to add interest and break up the rectilinear shape.
Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
I saw a lovely design in a book I read recently where a long thin garden was designed on a zigzag pattern, with the path zigzagging from one side to the other and the inbetween patches fulfilled different functions, i.e play area, lawn area, flower bit and a veggie bit. You could create paths with bark mulch fairly cheaply and easy to change the layout later if you wanted to. You could let the grass grow longer in one area to save you mowing it (and time when the baby arrives!). Morrisons and other supermarkets do very cheap little fruit trees as suggested by the others and they don't take that long to grow. If money is tight, try picking up garden plants and things on Freegle if there's one in your area, you might find old paving going for free. Enjoy your garden and meditate when mowing, it can be rather soothing!
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I agree that tacking that wobbly looking fence would be my first task but it could be put off if funds are tight and you are not planting directly against it.
Install a post and rail or similar fence on top of the low patio wall plus a gate (essential toddler control measures).
Consider dividing the grassy area into two zones, with a safe play area at the bottom of the garden through an archway, screen of tough non-thorny climbers, small trees etc., so not having the trees at the end, which will draw your eye directly to the bottom and accentuate the length.
The play zone could simply be a sand pit and a few toys, don’t spend a fortune. It could double as an adult retreat whilst baby is finding its feet, then play zone then back to adult retreat when they are grown ups.
The middle section between patio and play zone could be the largest, keep mostly grass for future games, but you might also consider, when funds allow, creating a raised border on the sunnier side to plant how you like. If it’s raised a foot or two it will be toddler-proof so long as you plant tough but non-spiky plants at the front.
The zones don’t have to be square boxes, they can be asymmetrical or curved to add interest and break up the rectilinear shape.
Enjoy your garden and meditate when mowing, it can be rather soothing!