I have just a plain bare retangular back yard with a 24 x 14 concrete patio I had poured. No plants just weeds. I need some ideas for shade, layout or grill - table -other sitting area to make it functional and cozy. Also on a budget after the concrete. Where can I go for ideas for a normal persons backyard. All of the make overs seem to be expensive or yards with charactor of which I have neither.

first, you need to determine where shade from a tree will fall on the patio at the time you are most likely to use it. Then plant a tree that wont grow more than 25-30 ft. tall.in that location but not so close as to overwhelm the patio. If you plant a tree that grows 50,60, 70, ft tall you will regret it. You also have to determine whether the roots grow down or close to the surface. If they grow close to the surface, then there's a good possibility for damage to the patio as the tree grows.
I would put the sitting area in the shaded area and the grill outside of it, to keep from having any smoke or grease (??? )from damaging the tree. You might also consider where the prevailing winds blow and take that in consideration when locating the grill.
Also get rid of the weeds as soon as possible and plant a good variety of grass for your area. The rest of the landscaping can wait until your funds are available and you figure out where they would look best.
Post a photo when you get done

This message has been edited. Last edited by: nona,

where do you live?

I live near Austin,TX. Also, I need to do something to the concrete to make unplain. Is there a site for ideas or somewhere I can use a program to layout the furniture I currently have? And far as shade I was referring to a pergola or some sort of a sunshade. I'm pretty good with picking out plants and landscaping.