Schwarz recommends carving out three spaces when staging a deck and yard: a dining
area with tables and chairs; a cozy seating
area, such as a group of chairs around a
fire pit; and a peaceful retreat with
gravel or stepping stones leading to a garden with a small table or a bench overlooking a water feature.
The yard didn't have any structure at all to begin with, so last year we focused on adding shape, interest and function by creating a pea
gravel patio for our
fire pit, a flagstone walkway, and designated some planting
areas.