I'd move house and put in some real grass,and make those kids live in a
real environment where the sun shines, mosquito's bite and dogs bark.
Otherwise concrete with artificial grass would kick ass and really
wouldnt allow your kids to experience real vegetation. this would be for
the best perhaps... Otherwise it seems you have the answers. Go to the
local nursery and ask qeustions get those...
You cant win em all though. I'd move... or become bit of a gardener.

Linda wrote:
Hi, we have a small backyard with a beautiful big tree and lots of shade
during the summer which is great for the kids - not having to worry about
sunscreen when they play outside. It does mean of course that lawn won't
grow - thats fine, we're not big gardeners, and what with regular mowing and
water restrictions it's not an option. But currently there is a mix of dirt
areas, weeds and so forth so it would be nice to have something semi
attractive.
So I'm looking for suggestions - I've been looking at various gardening
sites, and seen ideas such as Vinca Minor, chamomile, moss and of course
mondo grass but I'm sure there must be lots of possibilites I don't know
about.

So prerequisites - low maintenance, suitable for kids to play on, grows in
very shady area during summer, (but tree loses leaves in winter so has to
still survive), ok for humid conditions, drought tolerant (or happy with
grey water every now and then), doesn't cost too much to establish (very
limited budget), and if it was a mozzie deterant that would absolutely
wonderful as we have a problem with them as well when we're outside.

It doesn't matter if it takes a while to spread, I'm not in a hurry, but I
would like to do something - and if it can be grown from seed that would be
nice and cheap too.

Thanks for any suggestions