creeping thymes are pretty, drought tolerant, low maintenance, etc. carol suggested that some weeds such as oxalis can be a problem if they're not tall enough. so, choosing a tallish one and mowing (?) once or twice a year might work. there are also some creeping oreganos that might make good partners.
this is showing the metal "nubbins" sticking up in the railing that i'd prefer not to have. a single smooth top would be better if possible.
and another
here's another variation with different sized boards. ignore those wood railing elements... i don't like those and the cats would destroy them. and, they're way to "bulky" in a visual sense.
i catch myself being drawn to the horizontal, and simple, patterns for skirting and/or for the fence and gate.
i like how the fence disappears, but the black color and largish bar across the top is a bit much.
i like this "steel" color... and i really like how there aren't any "nubs" that stick up every few feet. in other words, as you go down the stairs, your hand can run smoothly without hitting anything. it's also visually "clean."
this page lists sites that offer new, non-vintage tables and benches.
original german oktoberfest bier garten tables and benches. they are narrow, but are functional, sturdy, and fold flat. it might be the easiest, most efficient way to seat a lot of folks in a small space. and then, can be put away without taking up much room. it sounds like most of the tables are painted orange or red, but this vendor has some natural finished ones.
portland nursery currently has some similar chairs in stock... i shot a picture of the tag... they are comfortable and look very similar to this... i'm leaning toward something like this. our horrible walmart specials just need to die... we will need to store them somewhere when not in use. the garage is one option. an outdoor storage spot is another and it might be more handy. there is a small, matching, table for four.
these look comfortable, but i'd need to sit in them to try. i would guess that mesh is more comfy and breathable, but wood is more durable.
no mess crabapples... https://laidbackgardener.blog/2019/10/05/no-mess-crabapples/ two season show... food for robins... probably stay fairly small with no pruning...
moss bowl cherie chi i am trying to track down this woman who i think lives in china... but these bowls are beautiful. rocks and moss... awesome. they'll look terrible in the dry season, but look awesome in the wet more than half of the year.
carol asked, on my introductory phone call, about whether i was OK with grass. as a novice gardener, i assumed that this was more work, but now realize that it might not be. anyway, i have developed a bit of a hobby of searching for four leaf clovers, and if i wind up with grass, i will plan to add plant samplings of clovers that seem to throw four or more leafs.
i like the purple spots of color in amongst the wispy grasses.
Q