You have a small "garden" or rather, weedfest of a space in front of and to the side of your house; what would you do? Details important here.

The size, and obviously the budget are key: about 9 square meters (I dunno; you figure out the stupid yards/feet ~) – budget: not much.

Catch: tree’s roots jutting out of the ground, uneven ground, til the sidewalk – grass? Too much H20. Fake grass – maybe. Cement and a basketball hoop? Could be. Tiles or brick? Expensivish.

Suggestions? The weeds is killin’ me here.