[LeeHunter]

Plant something other than grass. Seriously. I'm experimenting with yarrow in some problem areas on our property: a hot dry and sandy septic bed and some embankments with crappy soil. Yarrow can be mowed much less frequently, looks amazing (better than grass), grows on any soil, chokes out weeds, and doesn't need watering. For shady areas I'm having good results with periwinkle.

[pyre]

A quick search turns up warnings of periwinkle being an invasive species: http://www.canadiangardening.com/how-to/pests-and-diseases/t...

Seems like something that you might not necessarily want to introduce.

[eitally]

Periwinkle may be invasive but it's also easy to control, similar to English Ivy. It does great in shade and is an attractive option to plant (or allow to self-propagate) under large evergreens ... as an alternative to doing nothing and just having dead grass there like most people do.

[adriand]

I agree but it depends what you want the surface for. If you don't care about using it for outdoor stuff like sports, kids playing, picnics, etc., then ivy is totally the way to go. Periwinkle is nice. The ultimate in hardy and tenacious but also potentially invasive is English ivy. Not sure what to grow in warmer climates but visit a garden centre and you'll be set.