Backyard Florida Advise
+4
We just purchased our first home here in Florida. The back yard is nice with a pool, but there is no grass. Should we apply mulch around the whole yard, or install grass? I also want a fire pit area and gardening area. Any advise would be appreciated.
why not must use bricks or blocks? ...mulch may get into the pool!
Hi Karla,
Grass in Florida is different from grass in some other areas of the country due to the heat. The same is true with gardens. Your best bet with gardens is to use a local nursery and ask them what plants can handle the heat and then plan accordingly.
I did find an article from the University of Florida that should help you make a decision about the grass. I hope this helps. Wishing you the best.
http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/choosing-a-lawngrass/
As far as grass goes, you can sod the area. If you do the work yourself it won’t be super expensive, depending on the size of the area. If you are wanting to have a fire pit area with seating you can use pavers. Then, if you want to use one of those portable fire pits you can just set it up wherever you want, and you can move it around anytime you want. If you want a permanent fire pit you can use retaining wall blocks.
I would not install mulch as it can easily get into the pool. Grass is cleaner around a pool. Put your garden and fire pit wherever you wish. The new iron fire pits are great and can be moved if you wish.
If you would rather not plant grass, you could fill the area in with pea gravel or small stones. Look around your neighbors yards and see how difficult growing grass is in your area.
I would not plant grass, go xeriscape, astroturf or cement it in.
I think a nice evergreen ground cover would be great. Low growing, low maintenance. You could stencil the concrete for a great look. Good luck with this project and your home!