Those that suggested "it might work"...evidently don't have a lawn and no nothing about drainage. The reason there's lawns in front of homes is because there's soil under them and water drains away after the grass takes what it can use. Since there is no possible way concrete or rubber, or plastic, or anything else that you try to substitute to rid the place of water, then there's no way to grow grass on them. If you want a lawn, then commit yourself...break the concrete up, remove it, and replace with good soil. Then use either sod or seed. If you wish to not remove the concrete, might I suggest you invest in a look-a-like grass---much like they use on baseball fields. It looks real, can be cut to measure and you wont need to buy another seed of grass...ever. There is only the problem of cost....it does cost a prety penny....and an even duller dollar. There's many dealers in this product so choose wisely.

jmonette1, I see you're in southern Calif, which is in Africanized bee (AHB) territory (as your posting seems to indicate that you're aware). I've got some experience with them (AHB), and as the previous two posters have advised, I would recommend that you not leave them in place either. From your description, the current bees you've got are undoubtedly European honeybees (EHB - the desireable kind). If they haven't attacked a barking dog or someone mowing grass nearby, then they're not likely AHB - even though the nest is in the open (which is unusual but does happen on occasion, as pointed out previously). Here's the real danger: since AHB are dominate in any area they move into, the long term prospect of this colony staying EHB, is very slim. When (not IF) AHB take over this hive, they will pose a deathly danger to your dog and/or cat (at a minimum). And it doesn't take much to "set them off" - certainly, something as simple as a dog barking can do it; not to mention a lawnmower! I, likewise, would recommend you contact a local beekeeping club and see if you can get a 'volunteer' to come out and collect up this colony. Describe to them, what you've said here and let them know they're not inside a structure (wall of a house) but be honest when they ask how far off the ground they're located. The main thing is to not let them stay around very long (the bees...not the beekeepers).

Slope frequently does not convey accurately through photographs. It's hard for us to tell exactly how much you're dealing with. To me, it looks like you're going to need some retaining walls and cannot convert it back to slope. Keep in mind that slopes are like slow moving glaciers. A slope could stay in place for awhile. But over time they move, working their way downhill. After a bit, if just slope, I would imagine you'd be constantly cleaning soil off of the patio. There would likely be erosion problems coming, too. To replace what is there, I would recommend you use a concrete or masonry material due to its being longer lasting and its potential to be simpler. The existing wood walls look very busy and poorly constructed. I would recommend that you get someone on site to design something simpler, within your budget. It would be nice to make the slope toward the patio, including the stairs, less steep. I would use plants that didn't get too tall flanking the patio. Right now there are large bushes at each front corner of the patio. To me, they encroach too much in the view and would be better placed closer to the house, but not in front of windows. Directly out in the yard are a couple or three trees that will eventually be smack in front of the main view. I'd consider doing away with these in favor of trees pushed more to the side of the view.

Pool? Looks like you could do an above ground that’s level with your patio. If not that I’m a big BBQ fan and that looks like a nice area to setup an outdoor kitchen area with your preference of tools (while I’d love to have a nice big offset smoker there’s a wide range of things to consider... pizza oven if you have the interest and energy!). Having a fridge or sink in your outdoor cook area is really nice Outdoor theatre sounds like a cool idea to me as well, although if it was me I imagine I would end up not getting enough use out of it If none of these maybe just reclaim some of your grass area, maybe bring in some fill and rail road ties and make the step down a little less. Nice to have more space to throw a ball or play a yard game