Hi pixiefeather, With that color scheme I was automatically drawn to a grey, translucent stain. Something to keep it in the cool tones, something relaxing. I thought about a stone color, similar to the driftwood grey, granite, beechwood gray, or bluestone gray swatches from the list in the link. I dont know if it is possible to strip it enough to get it that color. And it really depends on what color your house is if it will go, and I think the deep red of the back wall might not go either. If I was re-staining the deck--to tone down the wall I would put some trellis with some lovely pink and purple clematis up if they work in your zone. Maybe something like 'Hagley Hybrid' and 'Warsaw Nike' to compliment the color scheme. Its the planting time for them too. Whatever you decide, good luck and I am sure you will come to a good solution! In any case, it sounds like you have a lovely garden coming along. Here is a link that might be useful: Semi transparent stain swatches

Yes that primer should work fine.

yesapool, thanks for the compliment. I am still working on my landscaping. It is always a work in progress for me. It seems like every spring I find myself back out either replacing things that might have grown too large, or just adding more. This time of year though its all I can do just to maintain what I have. Its soooo hot here in Louisiana. Good luck with your landscaping, and please post some photos.

It's not uncommon for dark stains to appear around screw holes on cedar or pressure treated, but I agree not as prevalent as yours. It may just be the photo but the material looks to be pressure treated lumber not cedar. It has a green ting to it. Are you 100% certain it is? If your not certain removing a deck board and looking below it should have the Western Red Cedar stamp on it. The reason I ask is that the newer pressure treated products must have the proper green or grey screws used. The improper screws may be your culprit. Spot sanding these areas may do the trick or using a product called Spray 9 which I know is available in the US. Try doing a few spots if successful tackle the rest.