Such a pretty backyard! if it were me, I would want to first divide the space into ”zones” depending on functionality - looks like she needs a grilling and eating area, garden area etc - I would focus on making the zones fairly large (she has the space) and then creating some pathways between them

For older folks( myself included), lawn , meaning a zone/ sun suitable grass without expecting complete weed-free perfection, is probably lowest maintenance for large area, in the sense that one can hire mow& blow crews for it.

If not much overhead tree litter, then some hardscape. But more expensive to install up front.

So agree with la_la girl, you’d want to roughly measure the yard & what’s there, & be doodling a sort of bubble diagram of spaces, , not hard & fast but to be thinking. And first, interview your GM re: how she’d mind to use the yard, plus are there aspects now that she considers too much maintenance, and why. For example, are there weed- prone areas , or are one of the existing plants dying, or what.

Maybe she wants bird feeder, or a raised herb pot for just a few snips. Or, more just waning things to look tidy? are the stairs too much already? Are there views from inside the house where a low- maintenance shrub would put on a show in certain seasons ? “ Using” the yard could include spaces for family to visit & cook for GM also, as long as not being overwhelming to her in between times. ( If really full sun dawn to dusk, , then using yard for dining would usually require some shade plan. ) So, even all that may be too much to tackle-I’m not an experienced garden designer myself!

Designed in a way that a robot mower can be used regularly to cut the lawn without plowing through flush planters.

I think the beds already there are great. May need some clean up is all. Perhaps consider a revamp of stairway so it’s more senior friendly and create a seating area left of stairs with something for shade. Ask her what she loves most and what changes will allow her to enjoy more.

Perimeter looks good but the middle of the yard needs to be cleaned up for easier maintenance. The grille is too far from the house. Maybe a concrete patio that holds the grille and table. Move the 2 little islands in the 2nd picture closer to the perimeter so no need to cut grass around them. Add a picture of the entire back of the house, please.

I am a grandmpther and think this is sweet. As for the actaul garden it depnds on her mobility and age. I love decks made from something low maintenance . I she interested in growing veggies ? I have raised beds for cutting flowers and veggies I love the beds. Maybe 2 levels of deck so not such a long set of steps . I agree move the BBQ clser to the house and pots on the deck are so much easier to work with and some really nice seating so she can enjoy having family and friends to visit.

You need to involve grandma in your decision making. Does she garden? Would she prefer a flower or vegetable garden or both? Would she like a green house? Fire pit? Covered picnic table? Low maintenance plants are great, but does she get deer? They eat everything.
Then post dimensions of the area, with how much work you are willing to do.

EARLY spring before things start emerging is always the ugliest. What's there is pretty low maintenance. Nothing flower wise that is in full sun is 'low' maintenance. If you could get the neighbors bushes on their side of the fence that would help. I don't see you doing much besides all the deferred maintenance that's needed. Bushes trimmed, deck and fence up to snuff, patch where lawn is thin etc. This is not the time to add to this back yard. We can't see the deck. Is it not large enough for the umbrellas/grill? That is unfortunate but a huge expense to enlarge that and give her outside space nearer the house, to sit/read..enjoy the open air.....

Priority: Granny will need assistance at some point to even getting to the back yard in time so focus on how to build multi level decks transitioning down from level to level to the yard with short ramps or at least steps with a 4" rise per step. At her age I'm sure mobility has already become a challenge and those existing steps need changed.

Buy or download a landscape design program. These are inexpensive and easy to use with nearly unlimited possibilities and grandmother can help you design what she may like.

Some ideas

Actually everyone has great ideas, but you really need to start with budget. Once you have determined how much is being invested in this area, then you can start getting bids on different projects to see how far those funds can go. Do the most beneficial things first - better stairs, a deck, walkway etc. Flowers are easy enough to create nice beds DIY - get the family together for a bbq and do some gardening.

What a great gift !

I think by limiting the grass to a wide curved path, and planting a mix of vegetable and flower beds to border it will make mowing an easier chore, and lead the eye to that charming shed.