Question about landscaping a potty path

[Gracie, Jade, & Barkley]

A few weeks ago I had asked about supplements in regards to dog urine and was told that's a no. Which is fine by me as I hadn't researched it before asking.

Some of the responses were in regards to landscaping an area. I had thought initially that it would be a no go from my hubby, but when I mentioned creating a path out to the potty area he was ok wth it.

Let me give you an idea of what we face. We live on a little more than an acre which is mostly grass. The only landscaping is around the perimeter of the house and a few "islands" with trees and plants.

So, when we step out the door we walk right into a huge grassy area. There is now a path worn down because we step outside together as there is no fence between us and the fields that surround us.
With my other dogs, they were trained to stay in the area, but there was no worn path. I'm not sure how long it will be for Gracie to be trusted enough to go out with us just standing at the door and waiting for her as we do with our oldest dog. Also, I'm not sure I trust my oldest dog 100%. The only thing in his favor is that he's older and I think he's tired of playing all of the childish games. Lol

I can't landscape the whole area that we give to the dogs to use because it would be massive. If I section it off, it has to be able to be easily mowed around. So, I'm thinking of a path hat we could use for her to urinate in and then have it flow into the grassy area where she can poo.
I'm hoping I can teach my 8 yr old dog to do the same. ;)

Any suggestions? Can anyone post pics of what you have done?

Thanks!

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

I can't photograph it, because I'm not there now, but our Cape house has a landscaped bed that is immediately to one side of our front walkway and ends on the other side against the house. Besides some shrubs and an ornamental tree, the ground is covered with pachysandra. Both dogs go out the front door and pee to the side of the brick path right onto the pachysandra. Their urine does not damage it, and it's only a few feet from the door. You could train both dogs to pee on on the same or similar kind of ground-cover by taking them there on a leash. Eventually, you could open the door and let them go themselves on a longer line. And, finally, they might be able to go by themselves while you wait at the door.  

[Gracie, Jade, & Barkley]

Thanks for the input. I'm going to look into the ground cover. I just did a short search and saw that it is good for hard to grow areas or places with acidic soil. Now, I guess I should see if you can mow it? Or would you have to go around it?
Either way it sounds like a good idea!

[F, Calla & Luca]

You would have to mow around pachysandra.

[Gracie, Jade, & Barkley]

Yeah, I see that. I looked at it and it's pretty much like vinca - which is considered invasive. It sounds like I might go with some sort of rock for a pathway.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I have both. they do spread, which I love actually, but they are very easily pulled out if you don't want them someplace. I think pachysandra is the best ground cover for it's many virtues.

[Gracie, Jade, & Barkley]

Invasive means that it can choke out other plants as well as birds can carry off seeds and deposit them in other areas which then can become a problem. Many plants and bushes are invasive - vincas, burning red bush, the ornamental pear trees that you see lined along driveways. That's just a small selection, but popular choices. I do have vinca minor planted and have to pull it back often in the spot where it is otherwise it chokes out everything in the area. I've thought about just pulling it for the sheer fact that it would be easier to just have other perrenials planted to attract birds and butterflies. It does allow some grass to grow as well, so in the area I have it planted in it is almost more work.
I'm trying to plant more natives to the area and have attended some classes regarding such - as it brings more of the natural beauty back to the landscape as well as it is inviting to the local wildlife.
Anyway, here's a blog that mentions how invasive species work.
http://nativeplantwildlifegarden.com/covering-ground-the-native-way/
As far as the pachysandra, even if I tended to it to tame it down - it would be in an area that would be mowed around. Therefore, I might as well use rocks - maybe like a river rock path or something to that effect.
If it's green, chances are it will be mowed by the hubby. :D

[F, Calla & Luca]

Having garden ended all my Life I do understand about invasive species and in my opinion pachysandra does not qualify. Perennials readily come up through pachysandra. If rocks work better for you then you should do that if your dogs will use them.

[Gracie, Jade, & Barkley]

I didn't mean to sound like I know it all - because I don't. I am fairly new to landscaping and have made my fair share of mistakes. Like planting English ivy - yikes. That was a nightmare to remove.
So, I did a little more research and apparently there are different varieties of pachysandra. The more invasive species is the Asian version. There is a version that is referred to as allegheny spurge and it is actually native to some states (which includes my home state). :D
I'm just not sure it would work well in the full sun and I would have to plant a lot for the area so, it might be something to give a try in small quantities among rocks? Maybe to give it time to spread out?
I do appreciate your input. I don't want you to think that I didn't. I just have to figure out what would work the best for the area.
Thanks!
Here's a link regarding the differences.
http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/allegheny-spurge-a...

[F, Calla & Luca]

No need to apologize. As I said I have grown pachysandra for many years in sun and shade and it is a wonderful ground cover. I guess I never have had the Asian variety. I hate the behavior of ivy too.

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

You wouldn't mow it.  The idea is that it is decorative and could be used as a safe place for your dogs to pee.

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

All I can say is that my guys pee on it readily, but they would never eliminate on rocks.  So much to consider . . . I agree with F that it spreads nicely, but is easy to pull up.  Plus, it looks great as part of an overall landscape plan and can be used in a specific area that you want to designate for your pups.

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

Check out houzz.com for ideas! Have fun! :-)