
Most backyards in newer neighborhoods feel open to a fault. Lots of grass, a fence, and not much else. There's no defined space to actually gather - nothing that makes you want to pull up a chair and stay a while. That's exactly what we were working with here.
What we ended up with is a clean, well-thought-out gathering space that feels intentional. The circular pea gravel pad is bordered by a solid paver edging ring that keeps everything tidy and defined. Right at the center sits a stacked stone fire pit - simple, sturdy, and built to last. The whole setup gives the yard a natural focal point it didn't have before.
The plantings along the back fence are where things really come together. A row of columnar arborvitae planted in fresh black mulch creates a wall of privacy right where you want it. They grow tight and tall without taking over, and they stay green year-round. It's a smart move for any fenced backyard that feels a little too exposed.
That's the thing about outdoor living design - it's not just about adding stuff. It's about making the space feel like it belongs. This setup in Fishers does exactly that. The fire pit, the gravel, the plantings - they all work together to create something that's usable and genuinely good-looking at the same time.