I am about to swear at you so.......here I go,,,,,

[Lumpy]

Artificial Grass.

We have, what I call the nook which is the only place to put our table and chairs.

It is a 3m x 4m oblong and because our garden is going to be of the no mow type I was thinking about fake grass in this area.

What are the good and bads about doing this. We have no kids but 2 dogs.

The ground was slabbed until the council ripped them all up so there is already a base of sand and we have just put weed control down to stop drrrr weeds and the numerous pressies from the local cat population.

[Thelma Sanders]

How will you deal with presses from the dogs, on what is basically green plastic shagpile?

[lottie dolly]

The good thing is,when it's new it looks fantastic,after that forget it,weeds still come through the little holes in the underside,and will be just as happy to grow in the so called pile,we have some down the lottie as paths,tis fine for that,it does attract a lot of moss,our was second hand,from a friends garden a few years ago,plus it is not the cheap stuff that a lot of places sell,it was the specialised stuff of the trade,it also can be a bu@@er to brush off,and extremly heavy what we got given,i would not recommend it for use if it involves poo picking,and the dogs themselves might complain,when hum..sitting down and shuffling along,the slugs also hide under it,

[Lumpy]

Well at least I know now that all the blurb they go on about this 'amazing' stuff is not true.

They say it's pet friendly and easy to clean blah blah blah - not!

So back to the drawing board - any suggestions for what we can use other than gravel?

[Alison]

My MIL has had it on the front for a few years. No weed problems whatsoever although it does look a bit perfect for my liking and too green in high summer. Apparently you can vacuum it but she just sweeps it from time to time. She doesn't have dogs but the cats do ignore it. One weird thing us that it seems to attract snails, is totally covered in them at night time.

[lottie dolly]

Slabs,with a good weed fabric underneith ,is all i can suggest,as it can be cleaned and water drain off it,gravel mm,looks nice but,would be a nightmare cleaning poo off,also any poo picked up with have stones in it,and when rinsed down any residual poo will just be hiding under the gravel,resulting fly's,weeds also grow in it,sorry to be a killjoy,but you did ask,

[Jungle Jane]

Would artifial grass with weed fabric underneath be easy to maintain too? You can use disinfectant on it if you needed to. Pets would probably prefer the smell of real grass,sand or mud to mess on & may not mess on it at all? Slugs & snails would be easy to gather if they like the artificial grass or have a beer trap nearby? The pub up the road has it under their beer tables,I think it's alright for a little area,concrete underfoot isn't as special feeling,but depends what you like.

[KevinM67]

I agree with Dotty - with dogs, paving stones/slabs would be the most hygienic way of having a non-mow area. It would probably cost the same, if not cheaper, also (if you laid it yourselves).

[Snadger]

Don't stand a barbie on it...............

[Deano's "Diggin It"]

Lumpy! My Gardening buddy has a back yard to "Die For"

Entertainment area! Bar! BBQ area! And his seating area is or was decking! He put down "Artificial" grass n never looked back! Lovely under bare foot too come middle of summer! Think it comes down to grade you invest in as others have said! But I'd give it "Green Lights" My view only!

[Guest]

Don't stand a barbie on it...............

Why....will Ken get upset?

Sorry - I am going

[Lumpy]

So thanks all and it comes down to......

go for the good quality but expensive fake grass with the benefits a no mowing slug attraction area that may or may not be easy to clean after doggie doo doo's

or..

slabs which are hard to make level without professional help but will keep the table straight and allow me to clean up after the elderly mutts more easily.

I am off to have a double brandy....

[Coopers]

My dad has fake grass. He choose a fairly good quality one and it does look really nice. He visits me more than I visit him and usually when I get to his and I see it I think wow grass is looking good. But then its doh, it's fake remember.

I did consider it myself but unless you fit it yourself it's crazy prices.

In case you are thinking of fitting it yourself you can find off cuts on eBay to keep cost down. Though your area may be a bit big for an off cut but maybe worth a look.

[Bill HH]

Why not a small area of decking? Its cheap enough new and even cheaper s/h. easier than laying slabs and you can easily wash it down.

[Martin H]

I have a friend who has dogs, grows all his stuff in raised beds and tubs and covers the rest of the ground with fake grass. He either hoses the grass down or hoovers it depending on what it needs. I have to admit it looks good and is a practical solution to keeping dogs yet keeping the outside space attractive.

I'm sure he wouldn't mind me posting a picture...