For those who are interested in Landscape architectural history the sentence that was written above , 'One mans restriction's is another mans protections', came from a conversation at a Sea Ranch design meeting that included members of the design review board including Lawrence Halprin . For 6 years I worked up on The Sea Ranch (www.tclf.org/sea-ranch) doing horticultural work. For those who are not familiar with The Sea Ranch it is often studied in Architecture + Landscape Architectural programs for its progressive commitment to integrated ecological design. Over the years since its inception in the 1960's new residents have come into TSR and often want to change the paradigm that TSR was developed on. TSR stands steadfast in their commitment to its original ideals thus annoying new comers that the rules and regulations are 'restrictive'. Other residents find the Codes, Compliances and Regulations 'protections'. I'm not going to get into a argument about mans inalienable rights - this is a landscape design forum. You can carry on that argument with your self. In my original post I mentioned code compliance in regards to what is and what is not allowed by law as a something that could potentially affect the building of a fire pit. As homeowners and landscape professionals it is our responsibility to design and build within the law - whether we like the law or not. In my area of the country it is unlawful to build or install a wood burning device in or outside of your home, - It has to be powered by another energy source. Some may find this restrictive, other may find it protective.

I appreciate the garden compliments as I either love the garden, or just think it could be better. But it's all trial and error. I love vines for a more intimate setting. My back chain link has Algerian ivy on it from the woods. Not a good choice as its difficult to maintain but it gives that secret garden effect. I had an orange blooming Passion flower on the west side that was evergreen and did not freeze in winter. Cobaea vines like heat and are lush if happy. The flowers age from white to green to deep violet. Moon flowers smell divine but I cannot get any going here. Asarinas are pure magic and come in pink blue or white blooming varieties. I do have to water my garden as I did not plan for it to be dry for this drought. There are some pittosporums that grow narrow and tall and are great in containers like the one in this photo. And they have gothy black bark. I have golden bamboos in containers for architectural height and in my front garden, Mr. happy echiums that get a tall spire bloom up to fifteen feet tall. Two years to bloom but they do well in any soil. Firethorn can be espaliered. And bower vines are nice and lush if trimmed for fullness. And if you want to see some faery tale cottage gardens. Annie's Annuals here in Richmond has test gardens out of this world. Who gets delphiniums to grow blooms nearly 8 feet tall? They sell fantastic soil but I don't know what she is fertilizing their gardens with. Must be magic. Mr. Happy is a hybrid of theirs. I do have Alaska nasturtiums in. It does freeze here from the cold canyon air in winter so I will lose my tenders and my garden goes a bit dormant. Its nice that others are working on new gardens to see.

For any steps to be and look finished, they need a landing. What are you envisioning the lower level to be, if not grass? Do you intend for there to be a lower patio? (which would stand in as, and override, a landing.) "A path to the fence gate and the garage door needs to be maintained." That's something you'd calculate out in plan view. No good picture (or plan) of the route exists in order to give good feedback about its layout.

The possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas. https://www.houzz.com/photos/small-backyard-landscaping-ideas-phbr2-bp~t_728~a_30-231--38-251