| I need help with a hillside behind and to the side of my home. I need to plant plants or bushes or trees that take little or no water except from the hidden springs under the hill to deal with the erosion I am going to see since the contractor cleared off the hill last fall. I live in the mountain region with cold winters, hot summers and a pleasant spring and fall season. |
| Some very hardy shrubby plants for your region include: Serviceberry (Amelanchier) Smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria or Rhus continus) Cotoneaster spp. Euonymus fortunei Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) You might also want to plant a fast-growing ground cover, if the erosion threat is immediate. Peaceful Valley Farm Supply (PO Box 2209, Grass Valley, CA 95945, ph# 916-272-4769) sells a variety of plants/seeds for erosion control, including crown vetch. Crown vetch grows to 18" tall and has pink or white flowers. It is very durable, and can withstand sun or shade, drought, and has few pest problems. |
