OT-Inexpensive Landscaping

[KTSMOM]

We are getting our house ready to put on the market in the next few weeks. Our realtor suggested fixing up the area around our patio. Unfortunately the grass is not growing there in some spots. Pretty much we have a rectangular size patio. The patio backs up to our french doors and one side hits our fence, so we really have two sides that we need to fix. The realtor suggested putting down pine straw to cover the bare spots and then throwing in some potted plants. That would work on one side but probably not on both sides since the patio leads to our yard. Also, we have a dog and I can just see the pine straw being tracked all over our back yard.
Does anyone have any cheap ideas to fix the bald spots?? We don't want to put a whole lot of $ into it since it's not a big area. TIA!

 

[branv]

I'm having a hard time picturing the area you are talking about, but if it's not too large, you could lay down stepping stones over the bald spots, or make a gravel area/path (with pretty rocks...keep them in with edging) and put down some tall potted plants like hibiscus or star jasmine (I put the latter into tall pots, and weaved the vines around three stakes...smell so pretty in the spring!). At least if you use potted instead of planting you can take them with you after you sell the house

 

[Genieklone]

We are getting our house ready to put on the market in the next few weeks. Our realtor suggested fixing up the area around our patio. Unfortunately the grass is not growing there in some spots. Pretty much we have a rectangular size patio. The patio backs up to our french doors and one side hits our fence, so we really have two sides that we need to fix. The realtor suggested putting down pine straw to cover the bare spots and then throwing in some potted plants. That would work on one side but probably not on both sides since the patio leads to our yard. Also, we have a dog and I can just see the pine straw being tracked all over our back yard.
Does anyone have any cheap ideas to fix the bald spots?? We don't want to put a whole lot of $ into it since it's not a big area. TIA!

BTW, I don't see how this is off topic.

I would go to your neighborhood Lowes or HomeDepot for topsoil and grass seed, this would be relatively in expensive. The folks at Lowes can give you advice and you can even take a free class if they offer it in your area.

 

[KTSMOM]

That's a good idea! I'll head to Lowe's and see what advice they can give me. I was wondering if we seeded it how quickly the grass would grow?? I'm not thinking too much in 3 to 4 wks.

 

[Hannathy]

Why isn't the grass growing? Is it from the dog or no sun, or is there a drainage problem? If it is the dog maybe you could buy some sod and cover those areas then "police" the dog and make sure they don't go there. If it is no sun or something like that I would put a border of stones or mulch about 18 inches around both sides of the patio with a stepping stone to get out and stick in a few hosta's and a few potted flowers and make it seem like a border garden. You don't need a lot of plants.

Remember if you try to do it too cheap and it looks like you are covering up a problem(throwing straw down) My first reaction as a buyer would be what else are they trying to cover up?

 

[rockyroad]

Just make it look pretty and fresh.

Mulch works wonders.

By the way, are you going to allow your house to be shown when you are not at home? If so, what are you going to do with the dog then?

 

[Plantlady]

I was going to say mulch as well.

Many cities offer mulch for free. It shouldn't track all over the yard.