After all the fun we had lugging rocks and hauling dirt, we decided to have someone who knows what they're doing take care of the next part. The paths (filled with decomposed granite) were put in just in time for the 4th of July. In this shot you can see the arbor gate adn the climbing roses. Also note the hedge bushes on either side of the gate, which have now grown tall enough that it's starting to get awkward stepping over them. In a few more years they'll actually be a real hedge. We'll be so proud.
The rest of the yard can be seen here. The corner where I am standing to take that picture will eventually be a tiny, secluded courtyard, mostly hidden by bushes and trees, with a few chairs and perhaps a little arbor, just perfect for readng. In the far side of the yard, where the path ends abruptly on the right, the yard continues on behind the kitchen and that will be a much larger courtyard area whose sole purpose will be to provide a wind break for Richard's grill.
