Don't Uproot, Leave It Wild.

ColonelBlink

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/apr/12/a-messy-garden-is-a-glorious-garden-stop-paving-over

Holly_Scope

Couldn't agree more. I've got a friend who replaced their garden with artificial grass! I don't know why anybody would want to do that, but that's just my opinion. 🙈

ColonelBlink

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1117476#Comment_1117476

Next door have that, with a coating of moss now on top. What was the point?

Holly_Scope

That can't be a good look @SoapySoutar! My friend said initially it was to avoid having to constantly mow it as they have quite demanding responsibilities, but turns out it needs regular treatment and has to be hoovered. 😅

I just think of the wildlife that misses out. Also, I like the feel of real grass. And the smell of cut grass is the best!

ColonelBlink

I can't wheel very easily on the boggy, wet grass i have, but the dog wouldn't enjoy slabs, and neither would the wildlife.

michael57

I can think of nothing worse than fake grass it was designed to stop so much plastic going into landfill instead the microplastics cause as much if not more harm for many hundreds of years to come

ColonelBlink

I pay a local man to cut my grass, an easy £20 for him every fortnight. He does about half a dozen houses in my wee street.

£120 for an hour or so of light work, that must be the easiest job on his books, he has to work much harder for his money at the hedge cutting and tree pruning elsewhere!

Holly_Scope

That's understandable @Rural_lad. I can see how it might be more practical and manageable for some people. Especially with how fast the grass can grow in the warmer months.

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1117549#Comment_1117549

Emilee

I love my wee garden, but I’ve seriously considered astro turf because of the upkeep. I pay someone to come and cut the grass, but they’re never regular, and it’s also in a dreadful state, with large bare patches and lots of weeds that I’m no longer able to manage.

But the idea of a plastic garden depresses me even more than the sight of my muddy patches and weeds.

michael57

This is just my opinion irish moss or creeping thyme is a good replacement for grass in low traffic areas and way better for the environment

Santosha12

I once got artificial grass, looked lovely. For a day. After the muttlets did their bits and bobs on it was very quickly ruined. Would never get it again. Love seeing all the little dicky birds 🐦 on my grass 😁😅.

Mary_Scope

We got rid of our grass in our garden when we adopted our dog because of the amount he used to kick back his paws and make little holes 😅 we have patio and stones now but i miss the grass!

Emilee

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1117599#Comment_1117599

I looked at both of these alternatives last night and they look beautiful. My garden is low traffic aside from me pottering around or sitting with a drink, so I will be doing more research. Thank you @michael57.