What would be a good groundcover for a steep hill in my backyard?

Question

I just moved to Western Washington from So. California. My new place has a steep hill in the backyard that has grass & weeds growing on it. I have used the weed eater to chop it all down as short as possible and applied a vegetation killer to the area, but then of course rained that night, so I don't know how well that is going to work. I plan to eventually replant some kind of ground cover on the hill, but have no idea what to plant there. The hill goes down from the flat area of the yard with a ditch/ravene going off to the side from it at the bottom. Seems critters have been enjoying the ditch area, so I don't want to invite them to have a "hide & seek" area on the hill. I do have to plant something to prevent erosion during the heavy rains sure to come. Any suggestions? The hill is west facing with a 6' fence at the bottom.

Answer 1

Pachysandra is a good ground cover. It spreads quick, has a nice green color and I find it attractive. I have it just outside my back door right now and it needs to be thinned out. If you were around I could probably give you enough to get you started.

Answer 2

You have already done the damage.  Check the container to see how long after you applied the weed killer before you can put in plants.  There are lots of good ground covers by you want to go to your local nursery and find one that is quick growing.  Be prepared for some erosion this winter.  What you should have done if any area remains is to cut the weeds and inter-plant the ground cover.  It is more work but your winters do not allow you to do otherwise.  If you are lucky the heavy storms will not arrive until the end of the year.

Answer 3

put a cross there

Answer 4

You'll need something other than plants to hold soil for when you get heavy rain; I suggest areas of rock set into the soil to hold until the plants get established. A good low ground cover is the seaside daisy which will hug the ground while your nursery suggested bigger ones get going. They are very pretty and constantly in bloom with little white daisies tuning to a purply shade as they die off. I agree with previous person; check on planting time after using poison.

Answer 5

The sedums are beautiful ground covers. You might also consider the heathers on your hill. They do fantastic on slopes and are a little nicer look than just regular groundcovers.

Answer 6

shore juniper