Question
I live in upstate NY, zone (4?), have lived here 3 years, and my backyard has a steep slope.  There is some erosion, what looks like a very old concrete pond that is no longer functional, it looks like they installed many very large stones coming down the slope to the pond that may be shifting. there are forsythias everywhere, some old fashioned perennials, what looks like day lilies that I don't know if they bloom very much.  What can I plant to help hold the soil, that would do well in the shade?

Answer
Good afternoon Bridgette,

A slippery slope indeed when it comes to steep slopes in upstate New York. Site unseen, I would first recommend that you concentrate on the terracing presently there. Next, you can use various ivies that you can find at most all your garden centers in your community. I would recommend also that you plant hardy evergreens in trouble areas that have a more extensive root system that will spread out to surrounding areas and mesh with the rocks you say that are there. Be certain that you choose evergreens that like filtered shade during warmer months, and can enjoy the winter sunshine when most of the trees drop their leaves.

There is a website that i recommend to clients for research that can really help in better understanding your options for plants.

http://www.gardenweb.com/

When planting your groundcovers, be certain that you provide ample rich soil and fertilizers to insure that they will get a strong beginning. I would also suggest that you do some soil density testing to discover why your ground might be shifting, i.e. underlying clay deposits, rock plates, etc. that could eventually affect surrounding structures.

Again, being that I am unable to see the actual site, take soil samples, inspect the existing erosion patterns, and examine the existing tree canopy, it is very difficult to give you entirely accurate professional advice, but the above information may be of help to you.

If you have some photos of the area and more information on the soil and ground density, I might be able to provide you a better recommendation. If you would like to e-mail the additional information to me, my personal e-mail is [email protected]. Please add 'AllExperts' in the subject line without the quotations so that your e-mail is not directed to my spam folder.

For your ultimate gardening success, I remain

In the garden,

David