Morning all.
Simon, your yard sounds like ours. All we have is bare dirt in most of the front yard with weeds. 6 native mesquite trees with some native plants under them. We have put fine colored rock closer to the house in an area that looks nice, and two rail-road tie enclosed planter boxes by the front porch that the honeysuckle has taken over.
Backyard is weed cloth covered gravel for the biggest part.
But we have planted in the last week 2 small crab apple trees, and two white Hawthorne trees that I got free from arbour day foundation a year ago. In a few years, we will have some trees/shade in the back yard and fruit for the birds to eat. The Hawthornes were planted in the center of my garden area on either end, so eventually they will shade my plants, as I'm tired of cooked watermelons and sun scalded peppers if I plant out doors. My goal is eventually to train honeysuckle the entire length of my front fence, as I've seen this in other yards, and it makes a great living hedge that is beautiful year around and the hummingbirds love. So many plants to buy, so little extra money, lol.
Today indoor work is on the agenda, but tomorrow it is supposed to cool off, so more yard work tomorrow.
Have a good one all.