What's the best way to landscape back yard, and ensure sufficient drainage?

[TonyClifton]

I'm looking to make the back yard less ghetto, but it needs to be low-maintenance (and as inexpensive as practical). I'd like to put down pebbles in the centre area (see pic 2), and have some plants (maybe small bushes) in the raised bed areas (see first and third pics). I'm thinking I'll dig down and level the soil, compact it, put down some weed mat, then some road base/gravel (and compact that), then cover with pebbles. My concern is that the garden is enclosed on three sides by neighbours' walls, so when it rains heavily, the water pools a bit on the soil in the centre area. Given that, do you foresee a problem with putting down the gravel and pebbles, and if so, what would be a good alternative with a similar outcome? Thanks very much.Left-hand sideMiddle sectionRight-hand side

[MitchellMc]

That's great to hear @TonyClifton. Please keep us updated, and as always, reach out if you have further questions.

We can't wait to see your results.

Mitchell