Hi Mary Lou,
I have had a similar experience I have moved to a house two years ago and had to start from scratch.
Here are a few ideas

Look at the space. Peer out the window, ans stare at it what view do you want? Do you want some hidden area? What about seclusion and neighbours

I started with a greenhouse (and some raised beds) I am real glad I have the greenhouse as I can raise my perrenials and veg from seed.

To a certain extent a Garden evolves by itself, but if you plant a tree think about its eventual height and how long it takes to reach this height.

All gardens benefit from established plants, dont dig these out unless you really must - they add a different timescale to a garden . There is little worse than the look of a bed where you can see the garden centre potted plans surrounded by bare soil. Think about using fast annuals to fill gaps.

As you walk and drive around look at other peoples gardens and think about what you want.

Have you thought about a water feature, a summer house, a barbecue area?

Maybe statues?

Visit garden centres. If you are near Enfield crews hill has a lot in one spot.

To plant a whole garden with perrenials takes a lot of money. If you were to buy sopme seeds now, and plan into plots they would be ready for next year.
Garden centres dont stock a big range of good seeds and concentrate on the usuals, use the internet, I recommend ebay (cheap and often rare seeds). Thomspon and morgan are pricey.

Plan for next year not this one - a big project takes a while.