I was just thinking … when you get the time and mental energy (I lost both my parents in a relatively short space of time so I get where your mind might be at) you might like to consider this version of a gravel garden … scroll down to the Desert Wash pic. It’s a style that lends itself to uneven ground https://thegardenvisitor.co.uk/east-ruston-old-vicarage-magpies-nest-treasures/
But I’m sure others will have more suggestions. Perhaps use the next six months for research and planning rather than ‘doing’ .
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I am sorry for your loss @ zakzak, and would agree with Dove that there is no urgency to deal with it now, just take your time, and think about what to do next year. As others have said, it does look as though grass is not a good option for the site. The grass may revive a bit over time, but long term it could make hard work of a small area you probably wouldnt use much.
I have seen a lawn turn black, but it was in my garden in Egypt when I lived there, when the sprinklers stopped working for a week in summer. It did recover quickly, just like our straw-coloured lawns over here are starting to do (even mine now fiinally, after 4 days of desperately needed rain!)
A kind of low, wild, resiliant mix for sharp drainage might be good for the area - to be, pehaps, mowed a few times a year. Perhaps take the autumn and winter to think it over and rest up. x
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https://thegardenvisitor.co.uk/east-ruston-old-vicarage-magpies-nest-treasures/
But I’m sure others will have more suggestions. Perhaps use the next six months for research and planning rather than ‘doing’ .
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
You don't need to returf. Just mowing often will improve any lawn, or encouage a meadow effect. A little bit of fesh seed might help.
PS. if you do go for returfing, make sure you prepare the soil properly. If you want to know how, ask.
"Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
It did recover quickly, just like our straw-coloured lawns over here are starting to do (even mine now fiinally, after 4 days of desperately needed rain!)