[quote=ocrenter]sdr, the grass was a product of combined research by UC Riverside and Davis, and suppose to be made for California weather. there will be a dormant period during the winter time, that’s the only downside.
regarding Solar installation for the pool. once you get the pool cover in, then decide if you really need the solar. the pool cover slows evaporation but also help retain heat, so it serves two purposes. there are pool covers that are automatic that can also serve the third purpose of safety so that gates/fencing around the pool would not be needed.
make sure you use drip irrigation for all of the trees and shrubs, that’ll save a lot of watering cost too.[/quote]
Funny. When I saw ox’s post, I was going to link to your post on JtR’s blog regarding the buffalo grass. One possible solution to the dormant winter is to mix it with seed that requires more water and thrives in the winter. That way, the buffalo grass can stay green in the summer and require less water, then when we get the winter rains (hopefully), the winter grass can grow instead. Not a horticulturalist/grass expert, so not sure if it would work, but might be worth a try.
Ox, I love your new yard! 🙂 Many people have made some excellent suggestions here. I would add that you might want a paved walkway from the house to the pool (didn’t see it in the pic, so not sure if it’s planned or not). You don’t want everyone having to walk across the grass on the way to/from the pool. You’ll get grass in the pool from their feet, and you’ll get wet grass in your house when they return.
Also, we have friends with the outdoor bathroom, and think that’s a must if the city will permit it. It’s great if you can keep everyone out of the house during parties, at least as much as possible.
You’ll probably want some shade, too. Personally, I’m a tree person, so would invest in one really nice shade tree that could be placed somewhere in the grassy area. You might want something that can provide shade for the patio and also for a portion of the grass.
Best of luck, ox! Looking forward to seeing pics of it when it’s done.
