When grass won't grow, consider these alternatives

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When grass won't grow, consider these alternatives

When grass won't grow, consider these alternatives

James Cox made a backyard oasis out of a former grass-challenged area. He brought in black lava rock as a ground cover. Concrete walkways connect the house with his salon and the pool.

A corner view of Dixon's yard.

The Witt's also planted mondo grass under their deck.

Real estate brokers Peggy and Kerry Witt planted mondo in their shady yard when they realized grass just wouldn't grow there.

Another example of how attractive pebbles look on a walkway.

Mary Wayne Dixon, a longtime board member and supporter of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, wanted something French, so she had large flat paving stones placed over pea gravel and built a portico over the front door.

Palm trees, agaves and yuccas finish the look in Cox's tropical-themed backyard.

Dixon also bought an iron arch for the entry to her courtyard.

Brick is always an option in areas where grass won't grow.

Atlanta interior designer Benjie Jones decided to create a walkway where the grass kept dying out. He used pea gravel for the surface that didn't require any concrete or mortar.

Dixon's front entrance.

This shaded path was made from gravel.

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James Cox made a backyard oasis out of a former grass-challenged area. He brought in black lava rock as a ground cover. Concrete walkways connect the house with his salon and the pool.

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