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  what can I do with this downsloping back yard?
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what can I do with this downsloping back yard? Sign In/Join 
Picture of cutout
posted
Here is what it looks like -

http://d.pr/i/ahDD

It slopes down about 70 degrees to a chain link fence, surrounded by trees. I can't cut it with a lawn mower, so I've mulched it and planted vinca. But it's still sloppy and ugly. What other creative things can I do?
 
Posts: 3 | Location: United States | Registered: Jun 12, 2012Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Picture of mgt
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You could also try planting sedum, the smaller ones...I have some that crawl around & fill up blank areas. I can certainly send you some if you'd like. It'll keep the soil from eroding, too.


~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I've decided to quit my job, drop out of society, and wear live animals as hats."
 
Posts: 7267 | Location: Black Creek, WI Zone 5 | Registered: Sep 18, 2002Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Picture of ga.karen
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You could terrace some of it & plant things in flatter areas that way.


"The soil is the source of life, creativity, culture and real independence." David Ben-Gurion
 
Posts: 3014 | Location: SW Ga. 8a/b | Registered: Apr 21, 2011Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Picture of cutout
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Thanks much, you guys, that's a good start. I suspect filling in all the gaps with stuff that will flourish is the best bet, with maybe some terracing. MGT, do you mean sending sedum via mail? That would be awesome. I google image-searched it but found all kinds of results. Which kind do you have?
 
Posts: 3 | Location: United States | Registered: Jun 12, 2012Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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I have 150 feet of sloping yard like that.
My dream is (to be able to afford) a retaining wall to level the yard one one plain, or at least the 50 feet where I have a perennial garden bed.

The slope is so steep I slide out of my shoes when I mulch and weed itFrown

Previous owners have planted ivy, vinca, VA creeper, dogwoods, rose of sharons on other parts of the hillside. So I have a mix of vines, trees brush -- and weeds of course.

I also have cat's briar vine -- but I would NOT recommend that. It's th orny!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: clbselah,
 
Posts: 2483 | Registered: Jun 13, 2008Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Picture of Loonie
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You might also consider clover. White clover seed goes a long way and never a need to fertilize. Its green and spreads well.
Major groundcovers like english ivy can be trouble by spreading into the trees.
 
Posts: 342 | Registered: Mar 22, 2011Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Picture of mgt
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Yes, cutout. I did mean sending you sedum in the mail. I have a mess of different kinds & I can send you a whole boxful if you'd like. I don't know the name of the one I have in mind as it came from my DD who got it from a friend. But, it's beautiful & spreads very easily. I'll post a pic of what I have. Smile


~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I've decided to quit my job, drop out of society, and wear live animals as hats."
 
Posts: 7267 | Location: Black Creek, WI Zone 5 | Registered: Sep 18, 2002Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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I think you guys are right, I should just keep covering the slope and let the plants take over.

Can you help recommend a nice mix of ground cover? So far I've got vinca, and hopefully sedum. Maybe juniper? A few others? For what it's worth, I live in Virginia. Thanks!
 
Posts: 3 | Location: United States | Registered: Jun 12, 2012Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Picture of Jewel
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Consider Liriope, also. It is non-suckering and clings something fierce, so would be good to prevent erosion on the slope. Mine is the varigated cultivar that blooms pretty purple flowers on stalks every August.
 
Posts: 8076 | Registered: Sep 18, 2002Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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A blue juniper would be nice, here and there.

Go to your local nursery with a picture and get some suggestions. Then slowly add in plants as you can afford them or find them on sale here or there.

But you want something that will flourish in your area with minimal work/watering and your nursery can tell you that.
 
Posts: 6006 | Location: North MN & Northern AR | Registered: Oct 01, 2002Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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