Regarding your question about the patio project, I think the composite decking option would work well for your climate because it handles moisture better than natural wood over time. The color choices you mentioned last week, particularly the charcoal gray, tend to show less wear and actually stay cooler under direct sun compared to darker shades. For the railing, the cable system you were considering provides a cleaner sightline, though the glass panel option might need more maintenance with hard water spots if you have sprinklers nearby. I ended up going with a similar approach last spring and found that spacing the boards with a consistent gap made drainage much easier during heavy rain. The local supplier on Elm Street carries a line that matches what you described, and they offer delivery within a few days if you order before midweek. Let me know if you want me to send over the measurements I took from my own layout last year.

Thanks for asking about the herb garden layout. I found that grouping basil, thyme, and oregano together worked really well because they have similar water needs and all prefer full sun. The mint I kept in a separate container since it spreads aggressively and can overtake raised beds if you are not careful. For the soil mix, I used about two parts garden soil to one part compost with a handful of perlite for drainage, and that combination kept the roots healthy even through the hotter weeks. The drip irrigation system I installed last summer made a big difference because consistent moisture at the base prevents leaf mildew, especially on the basil. I also added a thin layer of straw mulch around the base of each plant to retain moisture and reduce weeds. If you are starting from seed, early spring worked best for me, but transplants give you a quicker harvest if you are already past that window.