[JavaBrewer]

Scott, realize that boulders, rock, flagstone, are pretty pricey and can be difficult to move. The DG I ordered is something like $15 a sq/yd but delivery is $100. So I order 5 yards at a time and take 2 weeks to get it where it needs to be on my own. That does not include the weed barrier fabric and ground spikes. My hardscape guy was quoting high costs for step stones (fancy flagstone) on the right of the photos you see. They are top quality but also need ~ 270 lbs of concrete to set in place for each...digging not included...which my son and I did. I bought all the material on my own and transported to my house for a DIY project. It's not complex, but it is labor intensive. I get joy from sweating and working to improve my property...others may not.

Drip line irrigation...the bane of my existence. Forgo the adjustable crap and go full stream. Cap each line with a cheap gallon per hour emitter and call it a day. Bury the lines from the source to the plant so that careless walkers/animals/landscapers can't mess them up. You only need to bury the lines 2-3" to keep them safe. Also it extends life due to sun rot and hardening.