That garden has taken a turn for the worst alright!

The yellow area, had it been covered for a long period of time with something extremely heavy? such as a shed...

This garden is recoverable, but with the way it is now i would say maintenance isn't hugely favoured.

Have a look at this site on Artificial Grass, iit's so easy to install and doesn't take up any maintenance time.

I think i'm considering buying some myself

http://artificial-lawn.co.uk/gallery.php