Grass over concrete base. How?

[Waspsarewankers]

Bought house 2 years ago. Small back garden is north facing and completely decked. The decking is on 2 levels split down the middle (think left and right).
Previous owners never looked after the decking and it's in a bit of a state despite our efforts to save it. One side is better than the other and I guess it's because it sees the most sun. We have been given a load if new decking and supports by a friend who had an extension built only 18 months after having her deck built. This will replace the "good" half of our garden.

The other half that is under the higher raised deck I want to put to grass. Partly because we would like to get a small dog but also because I do miss the green.

We have had the odd plank up (to replace) last summer on this side but are yet to thoroughly investigate. There is loads of rubbish under there and gravel (mixed with rubbish) but also we think a solid concrete base which would have been where the original garage once stood.

We have no access to the back garden as we are surrounded by solid walls (neighbours garages make up part of the boundary) and 6 to 10 feet brick walls. Access would need to be through the house which includes a 27" door!!! So no way we can get equipment in to break up concrete.

I suppose my question is - could we grass over the concrete base? Drainage would be an issue I guess. But is there a way to do it? Is there a cheap and easy way? A raised lawn with a little wall would cost ££££ I guess but I would just be grateful for any advice or ways around this.

A very tough rye grass might survive on a thick layer of compost over flat concrete. You might have to break up small patches for drainage.

I’m only thinking that rye grass often grows over neglected patios and paths, with very little nutrient underneath.

Is there no way you could get a breaker on hire and break it up? It might be a long old job, or pay a labourer to do it? Alternatively how about AstroTurf? It still requires good drainage but is maintenance free and looks fab

I think from memory of the searches some drains run under the vincrete. So i am nervous about taking a jack hammer to it.

I would live fake grass but that's not ideal if we get a dog.

I don't suppose chipping would work either would they? Too much roll? I wonder if we put a layer of soil first?

It is grass I ideally would like though.

I'd lay a more attractive patio the. Green it up with pot plants. A small bit of badly drained grass isn't going to be of any use for a dog anyhow. You could try gravel/small deceptive stones and some plants suitable for shady areas if you wanted to break up the look of the patio.

You could also build a few raised beds to provide some greenery.

I wouldnt rule out artificial grass and a dog.
We have it in our catio and the dog often goes in there, when he does poo or wee we simply wash the bit he's been in. I appreciate with a wee you wont always see him but could if the area isn't huge you could wash it down with a jeyes type solution

I think fake grass is fab and could be a consideration.
I've been thinking and wondering about gravel. I've done a bit of research and there is the suggestion of a layer of soil between the concrete and gravel. How much soil would I need to put down over the concrete before adding gravel? Has anyone done this? I'm assuming this would prevent any dangerous roll.
And what are people's views on bark instead of grass or chipping in this kind of scenario. Would bark work do you think? It's a dog doing it's business on it that could be a concern. Harder to find any solids and would dog urine just soak in and smell? I suppose with gravel it can be hosed down more easily??

Don't put down a small patch of grass or gravel etc - go for artificial instead - we have it and it's brilliant. No need for any upkeep at all and will be easy to lay on top of concrete.

We used to have a dog and the 'grass' never smelt of urine (which gets washed away by rain in any case)

If you lay down earth then gravel, every time you hose is down hard enough to clear dog poo and pee you will churn up the earth and end up with muddy gravel. This will then stick to shoes and paws and walk everywhere.

If this was me, I think I would clear away all of the decking that you do not want and then create a scree garden. Hyde Hall has some good examples if you are In Essex. You would just need to set in some brick pavers around the to keep it contained inches. Reclamation yards often have Victorian bricks. Big garden centres or place like the London Brick Company do,all sorts of edging bricks.

You will need to build it sloping, probably towards the house. You can hire a drill and make holes in the concrete and then cover the whole lot with earth and horticultural grit. Where the bottom of the slop is, I would dig out much deeper. Maybe a metre square and plant ferns there. The water that runs off the scree garden will gather there to keep the ferns watered.

As you want to see green, you could plant up your scree, with camomile, creeping thyme, creeping Moroccan mint as well as the scree plants. It will look like a lawn, but with pretty flowers. Once all the planting is done you can lay gravel on the soil. I never use expensive dressing gravel. I use pea gravel. It is cheap, it contains sand which helps drainage and I think it looks more natural. Your plants will spread over it in a year and you can either cut them back or just allow them to,travel.

Not sure if pics are loading

Or this

A patch of gravel with some plants coming through could look nice but I also wouldn’t do grave over the whole area.

There are some good ideas there.
Thank you.

I've not read all posts thoroughly but grass is really hard to maintain ,it needs good drainage and generally good light to succeed .

And grass and dogs will result in mud .

So I'm sure other suggestions on here are worth persuing .

Loving the idea of ferns ...even in pots .