Question
We live in Richmond, Va, zone 7.  I want a green yard all year long that is not turf.  Our yard consists of mostly beds and mulched areas, so we don't have a very large area we are talking about.  At this point all we have is  lespedeza which is  alright in the summer.  Right now it is raining and you can see the water   running down the front yard(soil).  Can you give me any   suggestion or suggest material  and/or books on the subject?

Answer
Hi Cynthia.

I live a few hours north of you and grow dianthus in a situation similar to what you describe. I have several similar tiny mat-forming "pinks" in a small lawn area. I get less sun than you but still get good blooming from the plants. The dianthus I've chosen all have silvery green grass like foliage that is reliably evergreen for the last several years. I'm really pleased with the choice. I suggest you look at that, based on your wish for evergreen, need for erosion control, and pre-existing blooming of the lespedeza.

If you get some midday shade, check out "Irish Moss" or "Pearlwort." Many pearlworts are weeds but there are several that are cultivated for garden use. I don't have personal experience with this, but I'm told that Irish Moss is evergreen. Many people looking at Irish Moss also look at Corsican Mint. It's better behaved than most mints, is an absolutely beautiful little plant, will take some foot traffic, is perfectly lovely smelling when you do walk on it and could be evergreen for you, although I'm not sure how reliably.

For other ideas, take a browse through material on rock gardens. From what I've seen this is the only subject heading that will show me the lovely tiny plants which may be appropriate for alternative lawns. It will take some imagination on your part, but the photos should give you some additional ideas.

Good luck with your project!