This is part of our 100 Things in 2014 challenge. Here’s the full list.

Shortly after we moved into this house, we had a small fence and a dog door installed, so that the dogs could use the side yard as they saw fit. It’s not very friendly, though, and the bamboo had begun to invade, to the point where I’d be out there once a week with galoshes and a machete. Will, Lucy, and Simone (whom we pay for poop duty) had a hard time seeing which clods were mud, and which were something else.

But Becky had a better idea: astroturf! We had our landscaping company price out an overhaul, and I have to say they did a fantastic job. They got our bamboo back under control, added the turf (as well as three or four other layers to keep weeds from growing), and even installed a brick landing so nobody’s feet would get too muddy in the rainy season!

Much better. Liquids go right through the green stuff, and solids sit nicely on top, waiting to be scooped up nice and neat. The dogs might not notice, but we will, and so will the kids.