A new sweeping path and clean lines greatly improve this back yard of an avid gardener. Where once a scruffy patch of lawn and barkdust ruled, thoughtful design improvements help unify the space and kept the budget low. Boulders and structural "bones" plants add weight and key focal points. The gravel path, with delineated edge, forms a clean crisp line and leads the eye away from the yard's more awkward elements. Thick Trex as edging material makes a nice curve, is easy to maintain, and is dog-friendly for the resident black lab. Joy Creek's soil amendments improved the clay soil and plants are much happier now. Partial renovations designed by Alyse in 2014 and installed by Joy Creek Nursery.