I'm considering putting down a patio at the rear of our home and was
hoping / wondering if I could avoid one tedious step (digging and earth
removal). So feel free to fire away with "good idea" and/or "don't
do that you idiot" advice. Large amounts of digging and earth
moving/removal drive me insane. It's a mental thing I can't overcome.

The basement is at walk-out level in the rear. The area in mind is
fairly level, with a slight slope away from the house already
conveniently in place. I've read all about digging 7 or 8 inches deep
for laying all of the base materials. I had also briefly considered a
"raised-bed garden" (or whatever the proper term is) in this spot.

So... my idea was to combine the two concepts (thus a slightly raised
patio)... "frame" the area for the patio on top of the existing
ground, then use a little extra top soil to fill in some "divots" or
depressions, ensure the slope is good again, then lay down the base
materials, then the stone...

I'm not too concerned about the aesthetic appeal (at the edges) of a 6
or 8 inch raised patio, as my plan is to box most of the border in with
some trellis structures, then grow some ivy-like plant on them to give
it a cozy feel (and being in a cookie-cutter development, some privacy
from the neighbors). Two openings would serve as a step up onto the
patio...

Anyway, any and all opinions would be appreciated!