Alternative to turf/grass

[Compostella]

Our garden is quite small and on three levels

The bottom and top are paved but the middle level is just soil at the moment.

Ideally we would like to have grass on this area but we would have to then store a lawnmower and it seems so wasteful as this area is only about 3X3 metres. I know I could use a strimmer but don't like having to rake up the cuttings.

So................whats our alternatives?

Thought of bark, shingle, decking of just paving it. We;ve got a little one on the way so would be thinking of him/her too.

[Hawkwalk]

artificial grass is getting much better and looks quite good.
http://www.evergreensuk.com/

[jno]

you could get a garden hoover to suck up the cuttings, though it may seem like investing in a lot of technology for a small plot of land

http://www.mowdirect.co.uk/acatalog/MowDIRECT_ HAND_HELD_GARDEN_BLOWER_VACS_242.html

but it would be nice if baby could grow up knowing what real grass is rather than just paving.