I'm a big fan of raised beds for gardening- specifically the "square foot" method. The closer you keep them to the house, the more likely you are to tend them.

I can't tell from the picture you posted which direction north is, but most veg needs full sun, so placing the garden on your southern exposure is the standard advice.

Once you've placed the living things where they need to be, the other design elements might fall into place more easily.

If you have not already, peruse the ideabooks under outdoor living. They have very good ideas and information.