Raised beds here as well,sure saves the back.
We grow thru the hot weather and found mulching to be the most important.
Simple things that complement a meal,herbs as already mentioned.
Tomatoes and we do a lot of mixing into the same beds.
netting for us to keep the Chooks out.
Small hot house for winter time,
Small yard for around here.
Backyard is under construction and has not been neat for years.
Cheers.
Titch