Tcs, thanks for your comments. It sure is nice to just get out my ideas and get some feedback. DH's response is always, sure that sounds nice, or whatever you want is fine by me. hrmph!
The firepit area will be paved. It will most likely be flagstone, although I am contemplating using the Quikrete concrete molds that look like stones. I wonder if anyone has comments on those?
For the groundcover, I'm thinking of creeping or wooly thyme although I haven't really done all my research on what will withstand foot traffic. I'll check out jeepers creepers and stepables, which are supposed to be pretty tolerant of foot traffic.
I'm getting addicted to clematis, so I will probably cover the arbors with them. The arbors over the path will be sunny on one side and shady on the other, the arbor with the bench should be mostly shady once that tree matures and I may not put vines on it. We'll see. I found this arbor that I think looks nice on its own, I'd like to find one similar at a salvage sale or antique shop for less though. http://www.gidesigns.net/garden-decor/customer/product.php?productid=881&cat=17&page=1
As for the trumpet vines, they are very established. We're guessing they've been here almost 20 years. The base of the trunk is about 6" in diameter and they are a pain to deal with, frankly. They send out shoots in the lawn about 5 feet from where they are planted and at the end of the season they are growing into the shed, tearing the trellises apart, weaving themselves around the shed's roof shingles, and basically look like they are going to tear the roof off. It also gets long seed pods in the fall, but so far I haven't found any seedlings. The shoots in the lawn are also a pain because they break off at the base so easily they can't be pulled out fully, so we just have to deal with mowing over them and avoid walking on the thick little stumps with bare feet. When we moved in, it was quite overgrown so we cut it down to the ground last winter/spring. It grew back like gangbusters! It didn't flower but it did cover the side of the shed as much as it did before cutting it down. Sigh. If I have to cut it down every season just so it doesn't ruin the shed, I think I will try to get rid of it. I still wouldn't call it invasive, because it still is contained to that one area, but it is definitely high mainenance. They get a lot of sun and no soil amendments or extra watering whatsoever and are thriving, maybe you just need to neglect yours a bit? This year, I will try keeping up with pruning the shoots and see how I like it.
