@Newbiegardner If you take a look at the problem solving section. Go to' Portuguese Laurel yellow leaves'.What is the drainage like? This is the first thing I would check can the soil conditions support plants?
With a garden that size and two small humans running around in it, I would not try to make any flower/veg beds for a few years, until the children have grown up a bit. Spend the time getting the waterlogging sorted.ie Why is the ground waterlogged, dig out builders' rubble, etc. Do some soil testing to find out what the builders have left you with and explore your local environment to see what is growing happily. If there is a drainage problem needing land drains etc. no plants will thrive unless you go for margials which need water to grow in. You may find in the summer the ground will dry out and go rock hard. If the children enjoy football even climbing plants up a trellis will suffer. Save your money for the time being. Also decide where you would put a storage shed for tools, children's playthings, etc. Will they want a trampoline at some time, slide, swing, sand pit etc. Your garden is not all that big so save your nerves and give it over to the children and plan for when they are around secondary age. That will keep you all calm and happy. Perhaps some containers near the house for you to get your hands in some dirt amd start growing so veg/ flowers.
Posts
If the children enjoy football even climbing plants up a trellis will suffer. Save your money for the time being. Also decide where you would put a storage shed for tools, children's playthings, etc. Will they want a trampoline at some time, slide, swing, sand pit etc. Your garden is not all that big so save your nerves and give it over to the children and plan for when they are around secondary age. That will keep you all calm and happy. Perhaps some containers near the house for you to get your hands in some dirt amd start growing so veg/ flowers.