I think the best approach for the backyard renovation would be to start with the patio layout first. We talked about using those large concrete pavers in a staggered pattern, which would give us a more natural look compared to the standard grid. My neighbor did something similar last spring and the results were really solid, plus the maintenance has been minimal. For the planting beds along the fence line, I still believe native perennials are the smartest choice because they require less watering once established and they attract pollinators. The soil preparation is key though, so we should plan to spend a weekend amending the clay with compost and checking the drainage before we lay anything down. I can pick up the materials from the landscape supply center on Friday morning if that works with your schedule. Let me know what you think about the overall timeline because I want to make sure we give ourselves enough room for the grading work before we commit to the paver layout.

I finally had a chance to look into the community garden plot situation for next season. From what I understand, the allocation process opens in early March and they prioritize returning members for the first two weeks. After that, any remaining plots are offered to new participants on a first-come basis. The soil testing results from last year showed decent pH levels but the nitrogen was a bit low, so I think we should plan to do a round of cover cropping this winter if we want to maximize our yield for tomatoes and peppers. I was also looking at the water access points and it seems like the spigots on the east side have better pressure, so I might request that section if it is available. Let me know if you want to split a plot again this year or if you were thinking about trying something different with your setup.