Well, at the very least you can figure out how you want to handle clearing the grass to start your beds.
This
http://www.dirtdoctor.com/organic/garde ... n/id/2724/ is a good starting place.
Although it is hard work, we actually cleared all our garden space without the use of a tiller. You'll see in the article that Howard says to "scrape away existing grass and weeds". My husband uses a shovel and digs up a plot, then goes through and sifts out the grass with his hands. I use the garden fork, mark off about a 1' square, and slice off the sod with the fork.
Again, this way is hard work, but we're getting really strong and we're finding we like to work this hard.
Obviously this step is going to take you a while so you probably can't get started too soon. One definite advantage we've found is that the grass really doesn't come back. We have a mix of St. Aug and Bermuda, too. You have to fight with the Bermuda at the edges a little, but not in the middle.
I don't know about the sun you get.
Do you want to grow food? Or flowers?
If you want to grow food, maybe some others with shadier yards will join this discussion. I really can't think how to handle that issue, as we get LOTS of sun -- 6-8 hours direct during the summer.
_________________
God speed!
Cara
**
Take time to stop and smell the flowers!
(or... as my ladybug refrigerator magnet says
"take time to stop and
eat the flowers!"
)