First-time homebuyer landscaping help!

[Anonymous]

We moved into our new (starter, but very cute) home about a week ago and I'm already feeling a little depressed about the kind of gross backyard. It's flat and partly shaded, which is great, but not fenced in (it's bounded by one neighbor's very nice privacy fence and two other neighbors' ugly chain link fences). The grass is also looking kind of sorry and there is no landscaping of any kind. There are steps down to the basement smack in the middle of the back of the house, with an ugly (and not very safe for our toddler) rail around it. No patio or deck. It also seems rather buggy. We don't have a ton of cash to spend, but could spend a thousand or so on making it more pleasant (be it a prettier fence, some plantings, getting the grass in better shape, etc.). The plan is to put in a patio at some point, once we recover from our downpayment. I don't know the first thing about landscaping, but am willing to put in some time and effort, if anyone has advice. Or would it just be better to hire someone to lay the groundwork? Any suggestions of companies/landscapers in the Silver Spring area? If fall is a good time to start planting things, I'd love to make some effort now, while we are feeling motivated. Thanks in advance!

[Anonymous]

Here are some helpful links:
http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/575316.page

Don't be surprised if your post is moved to the Gardening/Lawns forum.