They regraded, making the inside by the front porch the highest point, as it was 50 years ago when the house was new. Slopping out and down to the driveway and beyond. Fabric under the rock garden and composite porch to prevent re growth of weeds.
Decking is good to -80 and should shovel easy as I had him do the boards long run.
Supposedly salt proof, so we shall see how it fairs in our climate.
Small deck as a test project. If it's crap in five years, I may be able to afford new stone again by then ,hehehe.