garden surface

[mumofjewels]

I have a small garden that has an area of ever diminishing grass (often a mixture of weeds and dirt) and lots of holes that Jewels has been busy excavating! I'm not a gardener at all, and recently, someone suggested I have a different surface such as concrete slabs, gravel or artificial grass. I still have some shrubs so wouldn't be completely devoid of greenery. I know that each of these surfaces is not without drawbacks when you have a hound, so would appreciate any advice, particularly from those with personal experience of those surfaces.
Many thanks.

[patshep]

This is a subject close to my own heart, coming now to the end of a 6 year garden project. I have areas of blocked paving, gravel, Scottish pebbles and slate. In addition I have a slabbed patio and I have recently laid an artificial lawn on a once 'derelict'area behind my garage. The graveled area has existing shrubbery and weeds can be nipped in the bud and pulled out if and when they appear My lawn however is full of potholes caused by over-exhubarant greyhounds (during the last 7 years) excavating my main lawned area. Over the last 2/3 years the situation has reached the extent where I have dug up said potholes and laid small areas of block paving. Taking everything into account, other than initial curiosity, dogs are equally at home on each surface.

[mumofjewels]

Thanks. Worried about how easy it is to keep paving slabs or artificial grass clean. I've heard that they can absorb odours.

[sallyannh]

We had artificial grass laid and it's the best thing we've ever done. Still looking good after 5 years. We make sure we 'pick up' regularly and if there's any residue I give it a scrub. Rain usually takes care of anything else.

I'm not sure how I'd feel if I had young children but then I'm not sure how I'd feel about ordinary grass in those circumstances.

[mumofjewels]

Thanks Sally. From your comments, I guess odour isn't an issue!

[gail]

I would have no reservations about artificial grass, it's easy to clean and looks great.
Sadly lost our greyhound Ben this year, but he loved lying on the 'lawn' as the drainage they put in underneath meant it wasn't damp even after rain. It even survived his chasing round in circles. This is him the day we had it done!

[sallyannh]

Bless him!

mumofjewels, I've never notice a problem with odour. If we sit out we tend to sit on the patio and the dogs don't 'go' there. They tend to wee on the flowerbeds and plants (thanks both) and if the weather is dry I do notice a bit of a whiff in certain places (they both have their favoured spots). However, this is nothing to do with the artifical grass though and a soak with the hosepipe usually gets rid of any smells in the absence of rain.