Steve wrote:

Hi all,

I am looking for some "brainstorming" ideas for my backyard
landscaping. I live near Pasadena. I think that is Zone 18 (?)

I have a "pool size" yard, surrounded by block wall, with a few trees
(only 1 lemon tree can't be moved) and it's down at the end.

I started out wanting to do a flagstone patio in the center to extend
the usability, then plant "shady" stuff all around the patio to keep it
cooler. (e.g. http://www.redwoodhollow-lajolla.com/flagston.htm)

But I am open to considering other materials for the patio (still
undecided), so this is one subject I'd like your thoughts on (Well, two
- patio type and plant ideas and experience)

Then I thought - why not just get rid of all the grass, I just do more
plants etc.... But I don't want to flagstone the .whole thing (too
much $$ I think)

Please share experiences/thoughts/links on this.

Extend the paving with decomposed granite (DG) over ground cloth.
Use composition bender boards to frame the DG. Plant perennials
and low shrubs in beds at the edges. You can even create walkways
with the DG, forming island beds. Go to my garden Web site (per
the signature below) and navigate to my Backyard page.


--
David E. Ross
Climate: California Mediterranean
Sunset Zone: 21 -- interior Santa Monica Mountains with some ocean
influence (USDA 10a, very close to Sunset Zone 19)
Gardening pages at URL:http://www.rossde.com/garden/