You are not there yet. You are so far from being there that you did not ask a single question. I would suggest that you do something to get closer to "there" which will then give you specific dilemas and/or choices that you might need advice on for making. As Glenda the Good Witch said to Dorothy, "it is best to start at the beginning and then just follow the yellow brick road". Work from general toward specific. An example would be that you want a patio, then where it should be relative to other activities that exist or you want to exist (like near a door to the kitchen), then how big you want it vs. how much room you have,.... Choosing material is a resulting point not a starting point. It will be a matter of whether you are going to be wearing shoes or barefoot (around a pool? you don't want to pick up loose joint material on wet feet and have it in the pool, you don't want exposed edges that can hurt feet, you don't want something too hot to walk on), it will be cost driven to one degree or another, availability of materials, and finally the capability of your contractor (you in this case I suspect). OZ is a long way away and there are witches, lions, and tigers, and bears, and lets not rule out flying monkies. Surround yourself with good people and ask the right questions, and above all, make the commitment and all will be well. Commitment is often in the form of hiring qualified people. It often requires spending some money. Sometimes it can be done through hard work and determination. It never comes too easy or it is not much of a commitment.

I came on here looking to trade some daylilies as well. I have a few that I need to find homes for. June Bug, Baby Talk, Purple Water and Meadow Mist. If interested let me know!

I was adding to the post about Jungle Fever, if that wasn't clear. Definitely the most interesting one that I have been to in Tacoma, an enthusiast's oasis rather than a general garden center. Be sure to check out their private collection right next door, most of it is visible from the sidewalk. Good place to see some things that don't grow here being grown here. I find this kind of thing quite exciting, myself. Usually have to go across the street and get something to eat afterward!

trolley_molly, I just want to second your vote for Angelo's. I've gotten some real deals there - you just have to really look at what you're buying. The japanese maple sale is sometimes incredible, as is the bulb sale. Angelo's son is a little more into talking about the plants, and he's much more visible in the business lately. He does the same thing as his father with the surprise discounts, too. There's also a young woman you often find at the register who is pretty knowledgable -you just have to catch them when they aren't swamped. The other thing that's great from Angelo's is their soil. They have a mix that's the best I've ever purchased. I also like the idea that they rescue trees and shrubs and resell them at bargain prices. It's definitely a risk, and they aren't going to deliver, but it's nice, too. I'm glad they're there if for no other reason than I can afford them! Wells, Molbaks, etc. just break the bank. Hey - someone bought a Tophat blueberry. Where did you buy it? I've ordered one twice and not gotten it either time.