Put a planting membrane down to stop the weeds coming up and then cover the area in gravel or bark. The sound of water running in a small garden is very relaxing and also attracts birds. There are some lovely small water features now availble, if you can get electricity to them easily. People who are trying to establish their garden are better off avoiding bedding plants which are expensive and only last through the summer. Plant herbaceous perennials, like lupins, hollyhocks, sidalcea and hardy geraniums, that die down in the winter but grow back in the summer.
Bulbs are also a worthwhile investment because they come up each year and multiply.
My advice is to buy miniature daffodils and tulips which withstand March winds and heavy rains. Standard varieties are easily beaten down by the elements because of their large heads.