We’ll see if this works.
I have planted dwarf mondo grass around the fire pit. There’s a small batch in another part of the yard that actually feels very nice underfoot, so it’s worth a shot. Unknowns: will it grow here? Will it spread? Will it tolerate the foot traffic? Will it be the dickens to keep clear of twigs and pecans?
Only time will tell. And then we’ll pave it over with stone.
I (Dawn) think if you are careful with the mondo grass and tend to it well it should do okay. And it would be cool to walk on. Not sure about the twigs and pecans, but be thankful you have no gumball trees.