Question
QUESTION: The slope in my front yard gets afternoon sun.  I've planted it three times in the last three years.  Twice with Periwinkle and the most recent time with Red Apple.  None have taken.  I don't know if it's the soil or if I'm choosing the wrong ground cover.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.  Near the slope are liquid ambers.  My location Temecula (souther California) - Summer is HOT... winter can occasionally get below freezing but not often.

Thank you so much for your time!

Krista

ANSWER: Hi Krista, I think that the periwinkle probably suffered during the first year- it, every kind of plant, must be watered every 2 or 3 days in the first year. Try Iris but make sure that...

1. The soil has NO weeds before planting and
2. That even the the iris get watered well once a week in the first year!!

Immediately after planting apply an organic mulch to around 4 to 5 inches deep after the first heavy watering.
www.ecologicagardens.com or www.italiangardens.eu

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you!  I have an irrigation system that should have been watering daily.  Maybe adding the organic mulch after planting will help this time around.

What do you think of Ceratostigma plumbaginoides as an alternative?

Thank you so much for taking the time to offer your advise.  It's greatly appreciated.

Krista

Answer
Hello again Krista, Ceratostigma plumbaginoides is an interesting ground cover and is often listed in books for ground cover plants. However, it is a semi-shade lover and is not particularly rampant and it also appreciates a slightly moist, woodland situation. I would stick with the Mediterranean range of ground cover, firstly because it is on a slope facing south west and secondly because the soil is probably not the best.
Is the area large enough to accomodate 3 or 5 plants of lavender? Lavender happens to cover the ground very well and I can give you some good advice on how to make it look stunning and cover the ground- they don't have to get big and out of hand.

Why not use the upright, vertical space by banging in an old fence post (in wood or in wrought iron) and grow a light pink or apricot rose up it with maybe a clematis or a honeysuckle.

Ever considered turning that little border into a funky, organic veggie patch for herbs like fresh basil, thyme (one of the best Mediterranean ground covers). Again you could use the post idea for increasing your veggie yield by growing beans, peas, cherry tomatoes and even an ornamental pumpkin/squash vertically. It's all very easy stuff to grow and gives great, ethical, visual and tasty results.
the message is be inventive and creative and don't worry what the neighbor says- they'll be SOoo jealous!