NYC Backyard Help!

Trying to transform this neglected large backyard into a space we want to spend time. Help! We are in Brooklyn, NY.

Would love any tips, ideas, feedback or reassurance. To say I don’t know what I’m doing is an understatement!

It used to be completely covered in ivy and wood chip mulch. We cut back a lot of the ivy (killled some too) and took up most of the mulch. Now we’ve got dirt with tons of ivy roots along the edges/border, especially that lookers left wall.

Seeding with clover this weekend and hoping that takes hold. It gets partial sun. Thinking of creating a mulch border by the concrete walls with some containers growing maybe a wildflower pollinator mix?

Also battling lanternflies, rats and the odd cat. Don’t mind the kitties but don’t want to attract other city wildlife like possums and raccoons. I’ve made peace with the occasional rat visitor and just working on reducing any shelter, food or water they might be attracted to long term. The lanternflies though – working hard to get rid of them, or at least a lot of them.

Any ideas?