Loose materials such as gravel, chippings, cocoa shell or tree bark are possible lawn substitutes and easy to lay with little ground preparation, except for placing some water-permeable polyester matting (such as Plantex) onto the soil to act as a barrier to weed growth.

But be prepared for the appearance of some successful seedlings, which you should pull out when small to prevent them seeding everywhere.

The advantage of loose materials is that you can continue them into the planted areas, creating a sense of unity, but birds, cats and small children often do their utmost to spread them beyond their alloted space. It's also difficult to sweep up the autumn leaves from these surfaces.