Comments on * v i s u a l * v a m p *: Would You Put Fake Grass In Your Yard Or Garden?

Joni from Cote de Texas took the time write me a p...

2009-07-01T16:45:34.993-05:00

Joni from Cote de Texas took the time write me a personal e-mail that I share with you. As ever she has excellent advice based on her personal experience:

"don't use fake grass! we took up our real grass and put down gravel instead with a plastic liner which collected the pee - it was horrible - remember there will be dirt under your fake grass, ugh. don't do it!!!! we had to have the liner all pulled out and thrown away. I think the fake grass will be like that. it was awful and so unnatural and the pee just collected on it - couldn't absorb into the earth.

use gravel. it's soosoo cheap and sooooo great looking.. and natural - the pee just disappears into the earth and you can scoop le poop.
trust me on this.

to get gravel- you just go to the gravel yard - pick out the rocks you want and they deliver it and pour it out. much cheaper. We've had our gravel for 10 years and have replenished it only once -

you don't want to get too much - you want it to be almost flat otherwise you sink into it.

btw - that pool house on the cover of Veranda is in Houston and my best friend is friends with the owners and goes there all the time. she says its the prettiest house in Houston."

Joni Webb
Webb Design

I saw that HGTV show and thought it was a great id...

2009-07-01T13:22:05.143-05:00

I saw that HGTV show and thought it was a great idea. Then, I started thinking about the dogs going to the bathroom on it, and even if I sprayed it off, wouldn't it leave an odor? I'm just not sure about the fake grass. Beautiful inspiration in these photos. laurie

Instead of the faux grass, how about those concret...

2009-07-01T11:16:02.691-05:00

Instead of the faux grass, how about those concrete driveway pavers that have a hole in the middle (x-shaped) and then planting luscious mosses in the center (like Irish or Scotch moss). They are lovely shades of green and thrive in moist conditions. Or just use stone pavers with borders of moss in a geometric pattern....lots of possibilities.

Haha! I have a 12x12 foot cee-ment back yard - tho...

2009-07-01T08:54:24.931-05:00

Haha! I have a 12x12 foot cee-ment back yard - those 1880's houses didn't really have yards - and thought about putting down some fake grass! But I think I might try faux marbling it instead.

The faux grass tends to get VERY hot, like you can...

2009-06-30T23:50:58.503-05:00

The faux grass tends to get VERY hot, like you can't walk on it barefoot hot, and then, what's the point?

I have a friend who planted fake grass in her enti...

2009-06-30T23:19:20.047-05:00

I have a friend who planted fake grass in her entire back yard and it just didn't look good. They spent something like $27,000 and I think it was the biggest mistake ever. Ultimately you have to do what is right for you, but talk to a lot of people before you do!

Valorie, This is a very interesting idea to me. I ...

2009-06-30T20:36:27.715-05:00

Valorie,
This is a very interesting idea to me. I have several areas that just will not grow grass. I am interested in seeing what you decide.
xx-Gina

No, Miz Vee! No! Don't do it!

2009-06-30T19:52:43.446-05:00

No, Miz Vee! No! Don't do it!

hell, yes. no cutting, no watering. you just hose ...

2009-06-30T19:41:35.427-05:00

hell, yes. no cutting, no watering. you just hose it off occasionally.

I think grass is overrated anyway. I much prefer ...

2009-06-30T19:36:31.781-05:00

I think grass is overrated anyway. I much prefer a small amount of grass, and more stone pathways and flower beds. And as for the fake grass....um...yipes!

I love your plan, but I went to a garden seminar w...

2009-06-30T19:35:37.457-05:00

I love your plan, but I went to a garden seminar where they talked about the new fake grasses. They only last a few years, and they are expensive. Mondo grass is a good substitute, you know it grows well there. How about sod? My St Augustine lawn in Lakeview was fabulous, remember? Forget about lavender, however, it's too wet in New Orleans.
XO-Sabina

I like fake grass in areas that don't get sun or w...

2009-06-30T19:25:54.714-05:00

I like fake grass in areas that don't get sun or would be hard to mow. Driveways with "grass inserts" are ideal places to put fake grass. You don't have to water your driveway and if you use stone you don't have to worry about a mower kicking rocks.

I love, love, love those grass circles!

I prefer the real deal, maybe you do gravel and po...

2009-06-30T19:07:33.770-05:00

I prefer the real deal, maybe you do gravel and pots and some grasses???
PS: I just posted a long(!) post on the wonderful VERANDA edition and Elle decor . Same picture, it's funny!
We're gone for a couple of weeks and hope to see you back mid August!!!
Love - Victoria

I am not so sure. I think I would try planting mon...

2009-06-30T17:11:23.216-05:00

I am not so sure. I think I would try planting mondo grass or other grass-like plants. No mowing!

do it !! it sounds like a great idea. xx

2009-06-30T16:55:42.021-05:00

do it !!
it sounds like a great idea.
xx