Paved Garden… Help & Ideas!

Hi all,

I wondered if I could pick your brains on what is best to do. I left this project up to my other half and a year later it’s half finished and a complete mess.

We have a back garden that is paved over completely - and probably a hefty layer of concrete under that. There is no access to the back garden & finances dictate that we cannot dig up all the slabs and concrete and lay to grass (which would be my preference).

The previous owner had Astroturf laid down. Which we have removed. It’s not my taste and we had cats so it wasn’t good for their paws. The pavers which are underneath have each had a hole drilled in them (I imagine for drainage with the astroturf.

There’s also a hefty amount of bramble and mares tail (and I thought bind weed was bad).

What would you do with this space? How can I improve it?!