Thanks guys, expect a lot of posts from me in the future asking for advice and ideas. So far I have no idea what to do design wise, I've left a 50cm border on the sides and 100cm at the bottom to at least get some bedding plants in for the meantime.
Well done getting that all resolved to your satisfaction.
For ideas, have a noodle round Pinterest which has loads of garden design ideas to help you decide if you want modern, traditional, cottage style but also sit down and make a list of things you must have - grass to play on, shed for equipment and garden chair storage, seating/dining area, kids' climbing frame/trampoline/whatever, pond for wildlife, herbs, fruit and veg, flowers for colour and perfume, shady corner, paths, bin storage, compost heat etc etc.
Then divide that up in order of priorities, time and budget needed. You don't have to do it overnight or even all in one year. Take your time and let it evolve.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
It's so disheartening that companies just do the minimum they can get away with and only do things properly when you push hard.
If using council recycled soil, it maybe that a plot of soil used had a broken greenhouse in it, or similar. It might be good to remember that much of the glass and other rubbish will still be under the lawn and in the soil where beds are made. But at least things are safer for now.
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For ideas, have a noodle round Pinterest which has loads of garden design ideas to help you decide if you want modern, traditional, cottage style but also sit down and make a list of things you must have - grass to play on, shed for equipment and garden chair storage, seating/dining area, kids' climbing frame/trampoline/whatever, pond for wildlife, herbs, fruit and veg, flowers for colour and perfume, shady corner, paths, bin storage, compost heat etc etc.
Then divide that up in order of priorities, time and budget needed. You don't have to do it overnight or even all in one year. Take your time and let it evolve.
With lists, it's often best to start with the things you don't like or want, and rule them out, whether it's colours, style or anything else.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...