The boarder idea sounds good.

Don't have any pics but I built a small patio off the back of my back stoop and ran it behind the house so my trash & recycle toters weren't sitting on my grass.

No motar needed. Just don't make the same mistake I did and not go to a DIY site first to learn the basics. I didn't grade it properly (no string & level used) and didn't realize the ground at the house was lower than where I built it out into the yard, so I had a "step up" onto the grass situation (and puddling of rain on the patio). But it was rental property so it was good enough for me....lol.

Bonnie

oh yes. *I* would replace the concrete path to the front door with a brick paver type path. :-) but I have no idea what *you* need or want!