groundcover

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chriscrozer

  • Newbie
groundcover
« on: February 03, 2017, 10:24:06 AM »
We have a small home in Spain near the coast between Mijas Pueblo and Alhurin el Grande which is at approx 1000ft above sea level. The garden areas are terraced with plenty of olive, almond and fruit trees. We would like to ask if there is a LOW MAINTENANCE grass or other ground cover we could grow to eradicate the need for constant weeding and soil tilling.....on studying various books we have seen  Zoysia Japonica,  pennisetum clandestinum(kikuyu) and Kidney weed https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dichondra_repens. Would anyone know of anything that requires little or no watering after the initial establishment period  (and similar for mowing) . The ambient temperatures run between 0 and 40 degrees apparently . Any info on choices of grasses or plants gratefully received......thanks

Andriy

  • Newbie
Re: groundcover
« Reply #1 on: February 03, 2017, 02:26:01 PM »
Dear chriscrozer! I would strongly suggest that you take a look at the website and the books by Olivier Filippi. He deals with the question that you ask.
As for me, I'd use Delosperma cooperi or other species. They are quite drought tolerant and low maintenance plants from South Africa.
Here is a nice YouTube video about D. cooperi from California https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSXkEJp3CIE
One more video with Panayoti Kelaidis from Denver, Colorado https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSQTxaDYwag
« Last Edit: February 03, 2017, 02:45:56 PM by Andriy Shykin »

Caroline

  • Full Member
Re: groundcover
« Reply #2 on: February 03, 2017, 11:00:02 PM »
Whatever you do, don't import kikuyu Pennisetum clandestinum.  It can easily become a menace, invading flower beds with long rooted suckers.  There's a reason for the "clandestinum" in its Latin name.
I am establishing a garden on Waiheke Island, 35 minutes out of Auckland. The site is windy, the clay soil dries out quickly in summer and is like plasticine in winter, but it is still very rewarding. Water is an issue, as we depend on tanks. I'm looking forward to sharing ideas. Caroline