Question
Hi Mark: I am an attorney expert on the site. Problem is a fairly steep slope behind our Santa Barbara, CA home that takes lots of direct sun. Over the years we have probably re-planted 5 times. None of the standard ground covers seem to take-have tried bouganvilla, lantana, ceonosus (?), redwood bark (washes down), etc. To keep what we have going, have to use lots and lots of water and we are now in drought conditions with no end in sight. So, I thought, why not artificial ground cover. Is there such a thing? Thanks.  

Answer
Yes & no.

The product that comes to mind is some course jute landscape  netting. ( Here's a link to a bad picture of what I'm talking about: http://www.mrdrip.com/images/Fabric13b.jpg)

This is a groundcover of sorts, but it doesn't work alone. It's used in conjunction with planting, and mulch.  It  slows down erosion, stabilizing the surface of the hillside to allow your plants some time to get established.  It can help keep a good percentage of mulch in place also, which will help, then, with water retention.

Similar nets are available in plastic, but I don't do plastic. It can turn into a long term hassle. The jute will slowly but surely be breaking down.

You probably can't get this a a normal retail gardening shop.    Head someplace that deals with the landscapers in the area.

Mark in Portland