I'm thinking I could possibly divide up the length into three squareish sections.

Priorities include food and privacy, but it's mainly about charm, nostalgia and romance for me. I like another posters comment about integrating cottage garden plants and ornamental vegetables.

I'm not big on flashy, glamorous plants. I like subtlety, elegance and mystery. Shade's not a big deal but an area with a seat for contemplation would be nice.

A medicinal herb garden is a must. Because some of these will be poisonous, I'll keep those clear away from the edibles.

I reckon I'll definitely put in some fruit and nut trees. In fact I guess that's the first thing I aught to get on with this winter/early spring. Decide where they should go and get them in.

If I had a sort of 'secret garden' - slightly disheveled but full of interesting things where I could escape like a kid and write stories - in ten or fifteen years, I'd be well chuffed.

Sorry Bobert I think I'm being useless! The more I write the more confusing it sounds. The main thing is deciding what to start with. Trees and asparagus maybe!