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Groundcover suggestion under California Box Elder, walkable?
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Posted by linda_softball (My Page) on Mon, Mar 26, 07 at 12:53
| I have probably at least a 100-year-old California Box Elder that I am told is considered a "weed tree." They are very messy and supposedly are usually found around water (i.e. streams). I am told by an arborist that this is not a tree you would normally choose for landscaping, but what did people know 100+ years ago? (Ha!) Anyway, I have a small "lawn" area, although never have been able to grow much of a lawn. It is very patchy. Admitedly, I have never rototilled or prepped the soil for a proper lawn. I just didn't think it was worth the time, given the shade problem in summer. The tree leafs out beginning in late March/April, sheds flowery stuff and some leaves a month later, and then literally begins losing some leaves in July/August with virtually all gone by September. As I said, it is messy, so the groundcover would have to be rakeable.
The patch is probably only 15' x 20' max, and that could be an overestimate. I would like a groundcover that can take light traffic, maybe even moderate, that preferably would stay green in winter. I live in the California foothills ("the Gold Country), zone 7, about 2400-foot elevation. As you can gather from my description, I am not looking for something like a vinca but rather a more matted groundcover that would cover the dirt. Does anything exist and if so, how would I prepare the soil?
Thanks so much,
Linda |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Groundcover suggestion under California Box Elder, walkable?
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| Well Im from the other side of the country, but im in zone 7 also. Don't know much about your tree, but I grow corsicon mint here in my garden. It is high traffic tollerant and it smells great, stays green and is very compact matted little tiny leaves. You probably could try irish moss also. Hope this helps, good luck! |
RE: Groundcover suggestion under California Box Elder, walkable?
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| Thank you, so much, Jkunkel for your idea. I do grow some corsican mint in my yard already and had not thought of it under my tree, but I think it would do well. Fabulous! I love the day lily you have posted in your journal, too. I shall look for it. Thank you so much for your suggestion. Sincerely, Linda |
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