How to cover weed mat in shady area, quickly, before a little BBQ

Question

We have very rocky soil, about 25 x 20 area, all under huge trees.

How to cover the weed mat I just put down.

Still don't know what we'll do long term, but the rock garden right next to it has five huge rocks for seating (with blankets on them, i guess), and a whole lot of slate that was once the front walkway.

So, what do I use now?

PS the more cost effective the better.

Also, a friend suggested using blankets for the grass- maybe best to do over weed mats?

That seems like an idea in the raw, needs some guidance...

OK, well, any (inexpensive) ideas are helpful!!

Thanks!

Answer 1

for a short term fix, with a country feel to it for your BBQ, how about getting some bales of straw (has less seeds in it than hay, which would also work) popping them open and spreading the straw around over the weed matt. it makes a nice soft cushion, looks clean, and you could gather it up later to use as mulch or put in a compost heap; or pile in area where you will have plants later and let it rot.

We had a 4th of july BBQ and it was muddy around, so we put some hay out over the mud and it worked great. Now grass is coming up there from the hay, too.... ( you may not want to use hay)

Depending on where you live, you should be able to get straw at a feed store or even Lowes or home depot may have it. dont know how much a bale though. $ 5.00? not sure. for an area that big, I would start with about 6 bales and spread it around. that would prob ably cover nicely.

only drawback, smokers beware of fire hazard. GL and have a great party.