SFGate

sacapuntaslapioz where are you located? tif you choose a grass that is native to your area you will not need to water it. the problem is people choosing a grass they like with no regards to its native habitat. For example in the northeast choose fescues, they do not need to be watered past the first year, as long as they are kept at the appropiate lenght (short in the fall, long in the summer) look for no-mow grass.

Glenda Hammond I'm in Port Elizabeth, South Africa and luckily the drought is over.

DIAspoton cover the area in a thick layer of pine bark chips. no watering, nice looking and your dog won't wear it out as fast as grass.

Glenda Hammond I live in a very windy city so I somehow don't think pine bark chips will work very well here and my dog loves chewing bark/wood, so she would have a field day playing in it.

ddj0195 How about a combination of grass and a path? Lay out some flag stones or large stepping stones. Fill the spaces between with small gravel or sand. Then add sod the rest of the area.

Blulens Design Also, think about a low lying ground cover from herbs. Some are very hardy, and make a great textural statement!

ASVInteriors I agree with ddj0 195, wild thyme amongst pavings works beautifully and should grow well in Port Elizabeth climate. Is your dog now trained - does he 'do his needs' in a specific spot or anywhere - this may effect how much you want to invest in improvements. And congratulations and thanks to you for taking a rescue dog.

Urban Oasis I would also minimize any lawn by using a permeable paving or material. You could use natural stone, gravel or decomposed granite. Create areas or rooms for seating, eating etc.

EasyTurf Have you considered an artificial turf lawn? You get the same look and feel of a lush, green lawn, but without maintenance and water costs - EasyTurf is also the most durable turf on the market and holds up to the toughest weather conditions - and perfect for dog owners. Check us out at www.easyturf.com and let me know if you have questions! Good luck in whatever direction you choose!

Glenda Hammond Thanks for all the wonderful comments, will post pics once I have this project completed, which should be next month. My rescue dog 'Mia' has settled down nicely and as I have managed to enclose the back garden she spends more time there and has plenty of space to run around in.