Beginner Gardening: pea gravel vs ground cover in shady enclosed patio area, 1 by Diana_K

Diana_K wrote:
Planting something is a good idea, and reseaching what plants will grow in your zone, in the shade is exactly right.

Bermuda Grass does not grow so well in the shade, but it will grow.
Here is what I would do:

Trench under the fence and install the weed mat vertically, at least a foot deep. Putting a board in the trench might hold the weed mat in place better when you backfil. I would use 6 mil plastic, though, not weed mat for this.
Hopefully the Bermuda Grass will only be able to grow over the top, and you will see it and hand pull it before it roots on your side.

Next, go to the outside of the fence and install the pea gravel there, with some header board. Put the header board 6-12" from the fence. The header would be some 2 x 4 that the gardeners can edge next to, and run their lawn mower wheels over. It would also give them a target to spray (the pea gravel) so they can keep the area neat. The bermuda grass will try to grow through the pea gravel (under the 2 x 4) but will probably come up through it not stay under long enough to hit the plastic under the fence. Even if it does hit the plastic barrier it would then grow upward, and be seen.