[Arid_gardener] still looking for answer - meadow instead of lawn?

[Jill Baum]

I have not received any answers as yet, so will try again.

I'm in an older neighborhood, with 50 year old, 50 foot tall pine trees
lining the east and west sides of my backyard.  I haven't put in a lawn,
as there was never a sprinkler system installed, and I haven't yet had
the money to do it.  (also there are lots of tree roots, especially near
the edges).  It will probably be done by this fall - unless I decide, due
to putting in a low water use 'meadow', that I don't need it, after all. 
My yard is a fairly large rectangle, and I am interested in putting in a
native, lower water use and care, meadow instead of a formal lawn.  It
needs to be tough, as I have dogs, and not *too* terribly long, as I have
to be able to pick up after the dogs.  
Maybe a shade and 'under pine tree' tolerant addition for the edges? 
Several different types of (native?) grass or groundcover would be fine,
and would be happy if some of it flowered, too.

Any ideas?


Jill Baum - jilzan at cox.net  - or jilzan at juno.com
Jilzan Whippets & Greyhounds, Tempe, AZ, USA
Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat
you with experience.