Gardening - Complete Beginner, HELP

[TopCat1]

Please help. Im a complete novice when it comes to gardening, as the saying goes 'Im green' . My problem is this: at the back of our garden (just moved & never had a garden before), there is a slope upwards. Previous owers attempted to plant a few shurbs and large rocks, but its completely overgrown with bramble, weeds, nettles, grass etc. I put on garden gloves last night and went out for over 2hours cutting the brambles away, pulling weeds and nettles etc. Filled my brown bin to the top, and although its a huge improvement, I don't know what to do next. Can anyone please help me? And also advise some child friendly, self sufficient shrubs that I can plant. Thanks again.

[Thunderbird+]

Hi TopCat1,
Hopefully your Green'ness will extend to your fingers in good time!
It seems like your winning the battle with your clearing but be sure to dig out any bramble root left in otherwise it tends to come back with a vengance, if this is not possible you could treat the cut stems with a systemic bramble killer thats safe for children and pets once dry.

A good choice of plants may be fruit bushes/trees ie black currant, red currant or raspberries (watch out for the prickles) or maybe apple and pear trees, kids love to pick them and they'r full of vitamins too! Good Luck. T bird+