Float on these pavers

Try aesthetic grass variants around your house for many added benefits, says Anupama Mohanram

Today, most of our urban housing plots measure either ‘one ground’ (2,400 sq.ft.) or sometimes even less. Within these plots there is an aspiration to build as much as possible, compromising the open space around the home. Minimal setbacks are left, which most likely end up being paved by some hard surface in order to facilitate the easy movement of vehicles and people.

In such situations, there is no space for any landscaping or vegetation on-ground. One option is to make a thoughtful decision on the type of paving to use. Pavers that are spaced out allow for growing grass or other vegetation in between the gaps. This not only reduces the unnecessary use of hard paving materials, but also ensures storm water percolation into the ground.

Such pavers can be varied types of stone, brick or laterite, providing an aesthetic solution and also serving as ‘stepping stones’. Today, prefabricated ‘grass pavers’ are also widely available, making them convenient and easy to install. Also known as grass block pavers, they are made of concrete or recycled plastic with open cells that allow grass to grow through them. They’re a porous, eco-friendly option for driveways and parking areas.