Having brought in the railing to align with the support pillars, there was an extra bit of usable space around the edges of the deck. So I turned it into planters.


First thing was to box in each of sixteen sections.


I used synthetic deck planks for the bottom, with drainage running between.


Each planter was lined with two mil plastic and roofing felt to create a moisture barrier. Then potting soil, plants, and water.


Bougainvilleas on each side post. A mandevilla in the center. Celosias, petunias, birds, and some succulents in between.

Source.

The permanent backyard lighting solution is on its way.