Thanks everyone for the additional suggestions. I've been mulling it all over. Burntplants, I hope termites and bugs aren't a problem. We have the foundation treated twice a year and the siding is vinyl but I will check into this to make sure. I hadn't considered this an issue because the wood mulch was a suggestion from our builder and 2 of our landscapers. You have me concerned however. After some thought, I'm concluding that overhauling the grade isn't a viable option for a couple of reasons. DH is dead set against it and the second one is that I don't think it will end up being a livable space for the reasons karin and almondstriation have mentioned. The long term landscape plan involves a much larger outdoor living space in the area of our yard that is above wall and will be connected by steps to our screened porch. This little add on patio on the lower level would not likely get used much. The outdoor living area on the upper grade will be an expensive project and I hate to devote time and money to a make shift patio that will push back the timeline of the larger project. Clematis is another plant I am adding to the list of plants to try. Almondstriation, thanks for that suggestion. I just pulled a volunteer oak seedling out of there so I know there are some forms of plant life that can survive under there......how would an oak tree look in that space ? :) I was reading the thread on landscaping around garden sculpture and noticed the picture with the two large sphere's and the gel fire fire pit. The area has very little plant material but it is dramatic. I hope my space can achieve that kind of interest but not in a tacky way. I did a photo search for "spheres" on Houzz and saw some examples that have me thinking. I would love to hear some thoughts on this from some of you who work sculpture into your landscape plans.

This is it's third winter in the ground. The previous low was 14 degrees and it did fine. This winter has been different in that we've had extended periods of below freezing temps. It's 28 degrees here now and tomorrow's high is not expected to break 30. This is the "big one" we've been expecting for years. Guess we'll see what comes through. Ironically, I have a grafted key lime on the unheated front porch that is throwing out a new flush, and it only gets up to about 50 degrees out there on a sunny day.

"Sure did, don't you feel like a proud poppa???? It's all uphill for this little booger!!!" Tanya Yes! BIG BUTT I also want to know if anything go array so keep track of what you do next so we can study what or when something goes wrong, BIG BUTT I don't feel it will. Please? I think you could go to the next step now? Take a large styrofoam cup or any container and plant it in what ever soil you like to use. Then punch a hole just below the crown level for drainage, BIG BUTT I don't think it matters above the crown or below. I've done it both ways with no problem, BIG BUTT I'm very confident of this method. After 1 week punch a drainage hole 2/3rds down the side from the last hole, then 1 week later punch another hole 1/3 down which will leave 25 percent water retention.

What an amazing way to tour our wonderful country. I'm training for an 11 mile bike ride for a triathlon, and cannot even fathom the distance you have done. Eighty miles in one day??!!! I am in awe, and high fiveing you from NJ- stay strong and safe the rest of your trip! -Polly