Backyard Project #1.5 - The Gravel Path

 After much sketching and staring at the dirt, I finally decided upon a path shape that will meander from the gravel patio, through the wildflower meadow, and down to the deck.  Since the pond and the deck are still just pipe dreams, and knowing the land upon which I stand to be a veritable rock quarry, I'm not sure where the exit path will be.  I know where I want the pond and the deck, but that doesn't mean they'll actually be where I want them.  For now I've laid the entrance path and the loop, and edged the area I want to be my meadow (vs. the area beyond it, which is whatever happens to grow in craptastic soil).

I've used the no-dig edging that wouldn't work for the patio, and while it's fairly easy to create circular patterns with that, it's a little more difficult to curve the straight landscape fabric.  I did the best I could, and tried to keep the path equal in width the entire way.  Unfortunately - see the above description of my property - pins don't always pound in where you want them, even on ground that's been excavated heavily. 

Close enough.  I'm hoping once the dirt is down and plants are growing, the path won't be such a focal point.

I must have miscalculated for my pea stone, because it's very thick on the patio and makes walking a little tricky.  Since I obviously had some to spare, I skimmed a layer off the patio and used it for the path.  This section is thinner, and I didn't need to use the base gravel. 

I used the remaining edging to define the perimeter of the meadow, which isn't an exact geometric shape, either.  Perfectionists will lose their minds if they enter my back yard.

Before my loam arrives, I need to dig up that last bit of stubborn stuff invading my meadow, and I need to finish the edging on the patio ends.  

I'm debating whether to hire a fence company to install the short bit of privacy fence that will run from the house to just beyond the bathtub (still covered for winter...I knew I wouldn't be using it this year!) or to do it myself.  I've done so much fencing in the last six or seven years that I'm pretty much over it, but I need to save my pennies, too.  I have a feeling I'll end up doing it myself, and my back will hate me even more.