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That is the question. Here are the variables:
The soil is pretty crap. I dunno what way the drainage is working because it's usually either soft and soaking if theres any rain at all or else in the summer its rock hard. Neither are pleasant and it never seems to be in the happy medium.
Also, I have a 1.5 year old son and we will proaprobably swings etc... for him to play on. I imagine they will wreck the lawn after a time has passed. I really don't want to have a lawn thats wrecked looking, it takes away from the whole garden.
However, my wife thinks that it's nice to have some grass for Harry to leg it around on, in fact so do I but I'm not so sure that it's practical given some of the above variables. Also we will be entertaining in the garden as much as possible and I don't it's up to regular use like that. It wasn't professionally done. I did it myself so its not really level and the grass is not thick, although it does look OK during the summer. I'd like to be able to spend time in the garden outside of the summer but it's a no go zone if it's in any way wet.
With all this in mind I am considering some form of paving etc... to reduce the amount of lawn, or maybe get rid of it all altogether. There's a big green out the front which is lovely to use and great for kids as it's off the main road and very safe.
Anyway, I could go on forever, I just wanted some suggestions if anyone has been in a similar position. It's niggling at me quite a bit at present.
Thanks guys...
Ronan
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Ronan,
Some extra details such as the current size of lawn versus size of area it is in, the aspect of house to lawn ie north south, are there elements of shading other houses overhanging tress. Adding these may help see what is best for you.
dobdob
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Thanks for the suggestions dobdob, however we have come to a compromise at last. I'm going to put in a small deck and a patio area in two opposite corners and the part in the middle will still be grass. I've done a 3D model of my garden with the new plans, check it out in my photos section.
Incidentally I'd like to recommend the program that I used to do the 3D model with. It's called Google Sketchup and it's free. I have zero 3D modelling experience and as you will see it's a fairly decent model. The program has some good tutorials and is easy to use if you are a little bit PC savvy.
Enjoy...
Ronan
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