I think you're going to have to get that gravel and landscape fabric out of there. You make the perfect argument against landscape fabric. It simply doesn't work to prevent weeds since weed seed comes in from the top, not from underneath.

It is not clear what kind of a surface you are trying to end up with and what that surface will be used for. When you take the picture, have the camera be far enough so that some surroundings show for context, and the background should relate to a major feature, like the house.

Thanks for the comments. @Yardaark, I'm not sure, either. I'm sure I'm limited if I don't remove the gravel and fabric. @laceyvail, You're probably right. No doubt that removing the gravel and landscape will give me the best options. I was hoping that there was a quick fix that wouldn't necessarily be just a temporary fix. I'll post pictures, shortly.

If it's any consolation, the fact that you put landscape fabric down may be somewhat helpful when trying to remove the gravel in that to some degree, you can run your shovel relatively smoothly along the fabric to lift up the gravel. Of course, weeds will interfere with the shovel, especially if their roots have grown significantly through the fabric. But without the fabric, a proportion of the gravel would probably have settled into the dirt over time, and it would have been much more difficult and time-consuming to separate.

Finally took a pic.

I would remove gravel and fabric an return it to match the surrounding lawn. Just go in low gear and eventually it will be done. There is no point to create a special surface when no particular use or need has been defined.

Thanks for the reply. That's one idea. I was thinking of defining the area, somehow, and putting a gazebo there. Maybe a stone patio. So, what am I putting in low gear?

Go slow=Don't try to take out all the rock in one day. Since it is weeds now, why don't you spray the area with roundup and kill the weeds. Take another picture after it is cleaned up. You can see what you are dealing with and you will want the weeds gone whether you go for grass or a patio.

The first order of business is to decide - firmly - on how you want to use this area. A plan, whether a two dimensional hardcopy or just a solid idea in your head, is always the starting point!! Once you have that issue decided, then proceed to clear the rocks, weeds and landscape fabric and begin the development of whatever it is you envision - a planting bed, just lawn, a paved seating area, a pergola, etc.

FWIW, it is not a large area and could be completely cleaned out in a single weekend. And a good start made on whatever else you may intend for it.

"Low gear" = keep plugging away at it.

Weeds and rocks are one problem. Installing a gazebo is a completely different problem. If you want a gazebo, then what you do with this corner of the yard will depend on the gazebo's construction and location. If you jam the gazebo too close to the fence it will seem odd. There needs to be some space between the two features.

Were you hoping to use these rocks as a foundation for a structure?

@ emmarene I was thinking that the rocks can be used elsewhere, but not sure where.

I'm focusing on that corner because it has become an eyesore. I have an 18'x12' deck, so I don't need patio furniture in that corner. I'm leaning towards some chairs and maybe a free-standing hammock under a gazebo. Either way, I'll need to rip up the fabric and gravel.

A gazebo sounds like a lot of expense and effort to go through for just a hammock. Usually, they are placed under the shade of trees.

If you want this to look better, why would you just not do normal everyday landscape planting?

The gazebo would have some chairs, at the very least. It would have netting so that my guests or I don't get torn up by mosquitoes. Objective #1 is really to make it look decent by getting rid of the growth coming up through the gravel. Landscaping is a good option, if I can make it VERY low maintenance.

If you don't own an iron rake, buy one. Rake the rock away until you meet earth again. The rock can be used again so put it on a tarp or something to keep it from getting lost in the soil. Allow grass to overtake the area. Make normal planting beds with shrubs.

@emmarene That doesn't look bad, at all Thank you. One thing that may not seem too obvious with the pic that I sent, the area is elevated on the left side, where the retaining wall blocks are.

So does that mean you cannot get the mower to this location?

Oh, I can get it on top. It's even with the rest of the yard, on the right side. Just wondering if I should redo the wall.

How high is the wall? Does it need rebuilt? Is it failing?