It would be nice to see more space devoted to planting since it has potential to make the overall space seem extra special. It would be an improvement if the looping, skinny planting bed between the circle and walkway were minimized so that the patio was a simpler shape. I'd also rework the walk so it was a little farther from the building (allowing for more planting space.) The gazebo looks like it is about 3' from the property line so, hopefully, you've checked that building code allows for placing it that close.

{{gwi:23908}}

I know you want more privacy, but in this space maybe a SMALL tree or undercut bushes may give you that feeling instead of trying to move the whole patio as far away as possible. Even if you don't like the mark-ups, I had fun doing it!

Thanks Yardvaark. The zoning allows external buildings in the back yard to be within 2' of the property line. We looked at it again and are considering just putting the same patio stone on the entire area instead of having a deck and patio on two levels. We would need to have a stone step from the house though. If we do this, we would have about 5' between the patio and the side yard where the deck and gazebo are now and would use either bark mulch or something similar since it would be too much stone if we had the patio and stones mulch I think.

Thank you Dani. I really like your drawing. My concern is that without using shrubs zoned for our area we would lose that oasis feeling of being in a small garden because our growing season is so short. I also started changing out the straight back line for a curved line for the same reason. I would like to add a small tree in one of the corners - likely the circle side since it has more area. Perhaps a small hawthorne. Your rendering of the circle area is much like what I wanted so it is nice to see it come to life - almost. :)