I have a small apartment patio I'd like to make cute on a budget?

Jod22478553
by Jod22478553
I laid 60 grass sod squares last year and babied them but they didn't make it. I have 2 small dogs that do spend some time sunning out there so it has to be where I can clean if needed. Thought about covering the area in mulch chips but just not sure what to do.
  17 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on May 27, 2017

    I would not put mulch if that is the area for the dogs,consider artificial turf instead.

  • Susan Savarese Susan Savarese on May 27, 2017

    I think artificial turf would be great out there as well. Mulch is fine, but with the two dogs, I think it'll end up everywhere!

    • Jod22478553 Jod22478553 on May 28, 2017

      After checking out some different mulch types today, I agree. Afraid it will make for more mess than good.

  • Great space! I have one dog that likes to lay in mulch, but not all dogs do. The ground looks compacted and most likely part of why it did not survive. Normally I would suggest some sort of groundcover like thyme, but I dout that would grow either unless the soil was tilled and amended. My vote is also for some sort of artificial turf which is easy to hose off when needed.

    • See 1 previous
    • Yes, you are correct, if the soil is that sandy you would need a lot of amendment in order for anything to grow. Since you have 2 dogs, having something nice for them is important too and you are so good to want to provide them with a nice yard.

  • Itsmemic Itsmemic on May 27, 2017

    poop on artificial turf is a nightmare. I put pea gravel...easy pick up...and so easy to hose down and NO mud coming into the house.

    • Jod22478553 Jod22478553 on May 28, 2017

      Ahhh the gravel might be just what I'm looking for! Thought about river rock but that would cost a fortune for that size area.

  • Cathy Ward Markham Cathy Ward Markham on May 27, 2017

    I agree with the pea gravel idea. My dogs were fine walking on it. What about some planter boxes with trellises and climbing plants along the fence? Ask your local garden center what plants will be easy care in your area.

    • See 1 previous
    • Jod22478553 Jod22478553 on May 28, 2017

      I've bought several palm fronds and hanging plants, herbs. I'm in west Texas so temps are already hitting 102~103°. The patio thankfully stays pretty shady due to heavy tree cover but the heat is still there.

  • Michelle Masterson Michelle Masterson on May 27, 2017

    Just wanted to show you my small space that was what I called the atrium. I would put a twin bed size platform i your space for YOU and the dogs could have the other space. Pea gravel with some cute stepping stones.

    Michelle

    https://diycoffeecouturier.com/



  • Darlene Darlene on May 27, 2017

    Artificial turf stinks when animals urinate on it, and it gets super hot. I would plant some low growing ground cover and put some stepping stones through it with some cute planters or potted plants on the edge. some trellises with vines would be nice also. You could hang some cute lanterns along the fence also

  • Donna Whitlow Donna Whitlow on May 27, 2017

    lay down 18x18 inch patio block. use mats for each dog to sun on. you can pick up and hose away whatever mess at the end of the day.

  • Michelle Masterson Michelle Masterson on May 28, 2017

    I'm sad too. But you could decorate with pea gravel with some flower pots (pick some up at a garage sale or goodwill and paint them. Pick colorful plants for pop of color. Find a comfy lounger. Some stepping stones too!

  • Cathy Ward Markham Cathy Ward Markham on May 28, 2017

    Sounds like you're on your way to a great patio that you can all enjoy. Have you seen the trick to put an open diaper in the bottom of hanging baskets to keep water in? I'm going to try it this year. Wow, you got lucky to have the shade!

  • Itsmemic Itsmemic on May 28, 2017

    I have 4 dogs, and a 75x100 ft area outsidse the dog door. I got sick of trying to keep the house from muddy dogs...not to mention cutting grass. I bit the bullet...had a truckload of pea gravel delivered...yes, it was hard to spread and wheelbarrow back and forth..but keep in mind..your area is tiny compared to this. I also made the gravel 5 inches deep ! Here I am almost 40 years later...and I have only refreshed it in spots..ONCE. I just pull weeds as I see them..not often.

    The poop is easy to see and pick up immediately...and no more muddy dogs :)

  • If you go the pea gravel route, (I purchased mine by the scoop at a local stone yard and had delivered), they have a "tumbled" version which takes all the rough edges off so it does not hurt the dogs paws. I have it in several areas of my property and aded in stepping stones and works quite well. Just be sure to put down a weed barrier or landscape fabric first.

  • Susan Savarese Susan Savarese on May 28, 2017

    It's frustrating, I know. We just love our little dogs (we have 2 Westie's) but darnit, they sure can make a mess!

    • Jod22478553 Jod22478553 on May 29, 2017

      Ahh Westies are so cute ! I have 2 Boston Terriers. We're 40' from the complex dog courtyard but sometimes it's just quicker to let them out on the patio. They're at least pretty good about favoring one spot so that helps :-)

  • Allinthefamilysingers Allinthefamilysingers on May 28, 2017

    that is such a nice little private spot to go to the dogs CLAIM it for you...dhall

    • Jod22478553 Jod22478553 on May 29, 2017

      :-) thankfully it's a large patio. It's twice as big as pic shows. Concrete that same size along other 3 sides. It was one of the features I loved for the grandchild who lives with me and the dogs when we chose it here. At least the dogs are small and pretty good at sharing :-)

  • Susan Savarese Susan Savarese on May 29, 2017

    Boston terriers are adorable! As I've been reading the comments to your question, yes, I think I'm liking the pea gravel idea, too! Wouldn't be much to maintain, picking up the poop and then probably sweeping the stray stones back into the area.

  • Jod22478553 Jod22478553 on May 29, 2017

    Yes they are my 10yr old fur babies. The 2 & 5 year old grandbabies who live with me and I went out yesterday looking for rocks. We're fortunate enough to live near some lakes and we bright home some really great rocks. Some are pretty large. We've decided to do a corner water fall with the rocks, pea gravel and a small area of sod again maybe or just more plants. Can't wait to get it done. We're heading for a water pump and small pond liner now. Next I start digging lol.

  • Allinthefamilysingers Allinthefamilysingers on May 29, 2017

    yes if they r small dogs Just let them visit your area You can let your grandchild help plan it.It is such a nice place and there are so many ideas all over the net. Send us pics when u r thru.. good luck.. dhall