Need help finishing this outdoor fireplace project- pics included! (granite, stone, build)

[Lauren0319]

To make a long story short, we (err... my darling husband!!!) really rushed into this project without a lot of thought. *sigh* We're big backyard people and know that this space will probably be used every single night. However, we're stuck. We hired out the masonry work but my husband did the flagstone himself. We will also be "finishing" everything (the rest of the landscaping) ourselves. My husband is pretty talented and can get the job done, we just need to figure out what would look best!

Here's where we are right now-
http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo117/lauren0319/landscape%20redo/DSC04680.jpg (broken link)

Disclaimer- please excuse our dead grass! We're in the worst drought in the history of our city and on mega water restrictions. It was also super bright when I took these pics.


Also, our backyard is one large hill, sloping upwards. We're just trying to work with it

First issue: These steps. We know we will be bringing in dirt and sod to make the top step level with the grass. We will also be placing 1 large flagstone as a "stepping stone" at the very top to avoid trampling the grass. However, what should we do on the side of these steps? It's kind of like a drop-off. My husband suggested we level it out to be even with the retaining wall and turn in into a "flower box" of sorts. I'm not totally on board with that and am looking for other options. We have about 2 tons of this stone left over.... I'm thinking we just add a stone "boarder" onto the steps and fill it in with sod.

http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo117/lauren0319/landscape%20redo/DSC04676.jpg (broken link)

http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo117/lauren0319/landscape%20redo/DSC04675.jpg (broken link)

Second issue: Transition from flagstone & crushed granite to grass. Will the crushed granite serve as a barrier between the grass and stone or should we add something to keep the grass from growing into the flagstone?
http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo117/lauren0319/landscape%20redo/DSC04673.jpg (broken link)

Third issue: (Yes, Dh will be removing all this debris. FUN!! Should we add bushes/landscaping to this side of the fireplace or just sod. It will be a fairly steep incline down.
http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo117/lauren0319/landscape%20redo/DSC04674.jpg (broken link)

http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo117/lauren0319/landscape%20redo/DSC04677.jpg (broken link)

Any other thoughts? Just looking for different options and opinions.

Thanks!

[K'ledgeBldr]

Well, the drought that you have been experiencing in south central Texas should give you a clue as to how to L/S.
Use only native materials with a xeroscaping mentality. Try to stay away from sod as much as possible- it requires to much H2O. As far as other materials- sorry I'm not much help- don't know what would be considered native except for mesquite trees.

[poconoproud]

http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo117/lauren0319/landscape%20redo/DSC04677.jpg (broken link) there is so much you can do...lots of potential there! You could build a firewood box or platform on one side, you could use plantings on either side that are drought resistant (go to a local garden center), put in a fence as a back-drop...

I don't like sod either...I prefer mulch, river stone...materials that don't require watering or maintenance.

I like the flower box idea...it's a good solution imo...

[texdav]

looking at those steps surely some plan was drawn. My major concern in the sloping areas of the hill country is drainage during heavy rain that can cause errosion problems.