Question
I would appreciate some ideas regarding a small area ( about 40 feet x 40 feet
) that will be the middle of a landscaped area with flower beds and shrubs
around it.  This area is right in front of my house and mostly south-facing.  I
live in Colorado and the soils where I am is mainly clay and sand.  For the
flower beds, I am bringing in a truckload of amending soil.  I am only
planting things that are low-water in nature as it is very, very dry here.  I
have though about a thin layer of some type of soil, then seed of some sort,
and then perhaps a jute layer to protect it while it grows as the winds are
vicious and nearly every day.  I am not sure, however, what type of seed or
vegetation would do well.  It must be able to withstand foot traffic and very
low water/high wind.  Any suggestions you could give would me most
appreciated.  The rest of the yard, 2 1/2 acres, is prarie which is fine.  We
plan on developing it with trees and shrubs and of course scattered beds as
the years progress.  However, the prairie weeds and such do not look
pleasing next to the house or developed flower beds.  I hope you can help
with a suggestion.  I am new at this and could use the help.

Answer

LOW WATER GARDEN, TUSC Hello Michelle, thank you for contacting me.

i would love to offer a miraculous grass seed or succulent that can withstand the passing of feet and can thrive in these conditions but it's really not that simple. If there was to be no passing of feet then the choice of plants would really open up, with thymes, succulents and others being very suitable to your conditions. However most plants of this nature will not survive if they are compacted by the regular passing of feet.

I run an ecological garden design consultancy from my base in Tuscany. My gardens are based around the principle of reducing water consumption and even general maintenance by a huge 80%. My design style has a strong Italian/ mediterranean flavour but it can be adapted to all styles.

May I suggest that you take a look at my gallery on these sites; www.italiangardendesign.com www.ecologicagardens.com and let me know how you feel about that particular style of design. I would opt for a more practical approach to your garden.

Kind regards

Jonathan Radford, garden designer