While the in-ground swimming pool takes up much of the backyard, areas are established with specific activities in mind. Wood decking was placed over the concrete to make an outdoor living room and a location where Marco and his friends can be watched by an adult while in the pool. Other "rooms" and outdoor spaces in back include a raised vegetable garden, a koi pond, a dining room, a barbecue, and Petra's prized teahouse retreat.Petra and Robert oil and sand their teak garden furniture with linseed oil every few months to help maintain its warm, rich brown color. Petra's collection of blue and white porcelain purchased while traveling or at estate sales or antique stores makes for a lovely centerpiece.