Q.Overgrown, untouched garden
50′ x 60′ long, overgrown, untouched for 25 years. Moving in mid-October. Fencing first, then have to get rid of pernicious weeds, wild shrubs and turf, then lay paths. What are the immediate musts when we begin?
Take a good long look at the current garden area. See what plants or shrubs you really want to keep and what ones really are just too overgrown to keep. Make a plan of how you want the garden to look and what spacings you need for them to be healthy. Make a list of plants or shrubs to keep and those that must go for one reason or another. I would not put fencing first on the list unless you mean removing what is there. Placing a new fence up first would get in the way of the clean up and overhaul. Keep on target with your plan, if you make too many changes as you go, it can become a frustrating mess to deal with at some point.