| I LIVE IN HESPERIA (92345) AND I NEED GROUND COVER PLANTS FOR SOIL RETENSION ON A SMALL HILLSIDE. IT IS FULL SUN POOR SOIL. I WOULD LIKE CREEPING OR VINING EVERGREEN PLANTS BUT NOT TO INVASIVE. CAN YOU HELP? |
| Hillsides generally offer a less hospitable environment for plants than do level gardens. Soil is usually shallow and poor, and it's hard to get water to penetrate deeply enough to promote strong, dense roots. You can amend the top 8" of the hillside with compost or other organic matter prior to installing new plants, or you might decide to just improve the soil in the planting holes to encourage healthy root systems. After planting, make a little basin that protrudes on the downside to facilitate watering. You can fill the basins with water and it will slowly trickle down and wet the entire root mass. The following suggestions are for plants that will provide attractive cover for slopes and help prevent soil erosion: Rosa rugosa, creeping rosemary, Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle), Star Jasmine, and Malephora (Ice Plant). Best wishes with your planting project! |
