If that photo is representative of the area in question, then I'd reconsider using this extremely tight space for "outdoor living". And unless I am missing something, that slope is not very severe. Even if leveled, I doubt this area would be congenial to lounging outdoors or utilizing as a patio, etc. Too exposed and too restrictive and without sufficient space to develop any kind of green privacy screening. I'd consider just a mixed shrub buffer between you and the neighboring property, perhaps with a meandering pathway connecting it to more usable areas of your property. Unless that photo doesn't reveal the true slope of the area, I'd say no terracing or retaining walls are necessary or even practical. Can you post photos of other areas of your garden that may be more conducive to outdoor living/entertaining? I still think this is a situation where engaging a professional for an hour or two can be helpful - it is difficult even from the photo to get a good visual and a true sense of exactly what you are dealing with.

Karen, I looked at your website and you clearly have very good taste and a very good "eye". You are turning an adorable house into a "droll-worthy" house. Given that, I anticipate that you will make major changes to this plan as you move from abstract to reality. I hope you don't mind, but I've included a link to the album of your home for others to get a better sense of how it is situated. One thing that is immediately clear from the photos is how close you are to your neighbors. Bearing that in mind when looking at your plan, you may not be leaving enough room for those trees along the fence line. If you have to move those trees closer into to your yard, how will that impact your deck? (I can't see the writing to see the measurements! Darn these old eyes!)(I mean, darn these middle-aged eyes!) But keep in mind that most trees, even ornamental ones, should be planted no closer than 8-10 feet from the house. Also, looking at your plan, again without the ability to see the measurements, things do seem a bit cramped. Also, remember that most trees (unless you fork over the big bucks for very mature trees) will take some years before their canopy is high enough for you to be under them. For the first few years, you will be in front of them and having to accomodate their spread. You must think about the size and spread of the trees at planting and at maturity. Finally, I have a question about what will be behind you eventually. Right now it is an open space. If is remains an open space you should definitely take advantage of that in your landscaping....open up your landscaping to the sweeping views. If, however, more houses are planned for back there, then you will likely want to be sure that you've accounted for that in your plan. Patty Here is a link that might be useful: Photos of the house and yard

If I was lucky enough to have Morels in my backyard, I would just harvest them with a smile on my face and leave the landscaping alone. IMHO I would forget about pavers or anything else that could hinder or damage the mycillium growing under the ground. I would throw some grass seed down, maybe some woodland wildflower seeds and nothing else. Personally I wouldn't even mow the area until after the harvest was complete.

"... extend the stamped concrete perhaps to end of house, maybe add a path from front concrete to it ..." "Would like to plants some stuff on either side of the 'path.'" "A dream is to do French doors where the bushes are and then an eating area right there." These statements lead to confusion as it is not clear what or where is being talked about. Rather than showing isolated shots of parts of things, it is better to show a series of slightly overlapping pictures that are all taken from the exact same camera position ... where the camera doesn't change locations between pictures. Then we can see how all these things fit together relative to each other. You have what looks like a front door, but there is no walk to it. You have a walk and steps coming from a city walk but we don't know where they go. Are all these things supposed to be tied together? If yes, you need to position yourself where you could see all these things at once. Then take a series of slightly overlapping shots that pan the scene, while the camera merely pivots between pictures, showing all these things.