Question
Hi Tom,

I live in Southern California (Ventura County Zone 10).

There is a strip between my and my neighbors driveway with no irrigation to the area.

Can you make any suggestions for this area that would be pretty much maintenance free?

I am considering planting SEDUM Sieboldi and have the following questions:

1. If the guidelines say for example to plant 10" apart - how far do you plant from the edge?

2. The area already has woodchips and black clothlike weedblock. Can the ground cover be planted without removing the chips/weedblock?


Answer
Hi Lori,
Thanx for your question.
Here are some suggestions from the California Invasive Plant Council
http://www.cal-ipc.org/landscaping/dpp/plantpage.php?region=socal&type=Ground%20...  - the state has been trying to get people to try plants that are native and more suited to California's diverse regions.

This site is from the San Diego County Water Authority with recommendations for xeriscaping and ground covers.

http://www.sdcwa.org/manage/pdf/Conservation/XeriscapeBrochure.pdf

I think both of these sites have good recommendations for your area and I urge you to keep in mind the damage that has been done to California's natural environment by invasive species.  I lived in the Monterey Bay area many years ago and I am in Southern California quite frequently because I have family there.  

1.  If the guidelines say to plant 10 inches apart, I would take that to mean 10 inches from the edge too.
2.  Yes, ground cover can be planted without removing the weedblock and wood chips.  Move the wood chips aside and pierce the weedblock cloth to make a slit, plant your plants in the slits.  I hope this helps.
Tom