jmonette1, I see you're in southern Calif, which is in Africanized bee (AHB) territory (as your posting seems to indicate that you're aware). I've got some experience with them (AHB), and as the previous two posters have advised, I would recommend that you not leave them in place either. From your description, the current bees you've got are undoubtedly European honeybees (EHB - the desireable kind). If they haven't attacked a barking dog or someone mowing grass nearby, then they're not likely AHB - even though the nest is in the open (which is unusual but does happen on occasion, as pointed out previously). Here's the real danger: since AHB are dominate in any area they move into, the long term prospect of this colony staying EHB, is very slim. When (not IF) AHB take over this hive, they will pose a deathly danger to your dog and/or cat (at a minimum). And it doesn't take much to "set them off" - certainly, something as simple as a dog barking can do it; not to mention a lawnmower! I, likewise, would recommend you contact a local beekeeping club and see if you can get a 'volunteer' to come out and collect up this colony. Describe to them, what you've said here and let them know they're not inside a structure (wall of a house) but be honest when they ask how far off the ground they're located. The main thing is to not let them stay around very long (the bees...not the beekeepers).

Dear Friends, I'm building a 8 feet radius round flagstone patio on my sloppy backyard (As pictured, DIY). I dig off a foot and half on the left, the front and right side of the patio will still be above the ground. Originally my design is to build a base with 5 inches of crush stone base, surrounded by retaining wall block (left, front side). Mix about 2 inch of mortar and stick Flagstone (already bought 2 tons stone about 1.5-2" thickness) on top of the base and wall. I am hopping the mortal will hold the stone well so it won't shift off the slop. As I read more on the internet and I have the concern the patio will end up crack for the way I lay it (people mentioned different expansion ratio of the mortar and stone etc). Here I would like to hear some advises for how should I continue. 1. Am I OK to continue my original plan. Will cracking really a concern in Atlanta GA area, the overall weather hear is mild with a few freezing days. I'll try to compact the base as much as i can. Maybe increase the mortal layer to 3 inches would help? Should I build a rough concrete patio enforced with metal bar, say 3 inches thickness. On top, lay the flagstone with mortar. Will this keep the patio in shape better than plan 1 above. Should I be better off dry laid flag stone. It actually take less effort to do. Add Stone dust on top of pave base and do dry laid. I am worry the rain water will end up wash off the base and fillings in the crack. It will be hard to keep the stones intact over the long run. Really appreciate your comment to guide me further.

Please check with the city to see what the setback requirements are for new structures that are not grandfathered in. Also, read your deed to see what the easements for the power lines and power pole are. Then mark the easements with chalk or landscaper's paint (special type that vanishes after a while) on the ground. Understanding where the power company and phone company have rights to cut your shrubs is really important. You can try out several areas for a patio before hiring a landscape architect. Buy a three-cornered sail shade or a couple of patio umbrellas to move around. An elderly neighbor (who understandably may not be answering the door at this time) may be willing to give you a call if you mail a friendly letter with some photos and ask him to okay any light and easy repairs (e.g., paint, a few nails to shore up the wood) you are willing to do (if any, think about liability and safety first) or to just to give him a head's up about planting next to his fence. He probably has no idea what the structure looks like currently from your side.

I would take the table and chairs away from by the spa area. It seems out of place there. For me I would want the fire pit and chairs to be somewhere more on the lawn, not by the pool, and an eating area to be closer to the house. You have several "spots" in your backyard but to me they don't seem to flow. For example, I would like to BBQ close to the house, then eat/serve food close to the house. I'd like to lounge nearby but not at a cost to the BBQ and eating area locations. For me the fire pit is a gathering spot that is distinct from the pool.