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Ground cover that can grow in desert sand?

orangehummingbird

10 years ago

I'm not sure if what I'm looking for exists, but I would like to plant some ground cover in my yard. I live in the Santa Fe area. Our yard is very dry and full of sand. I'd like to put in some ground cover that's green, but I'm not sure if anything will grow in the sand. It doesn't really matter if it's grass or weeds, I just want some color in the yard.
Any suggestions?

Comments (2)

vetivert8
10 years ago
You could look at Arctotis, Gazania, Mesembryanthemum, Cistus, Tithonia, Carpobrotus, and Atriplex spp. Cephalophyllum, Eucalyptus, possibly Protea, Leucadendron, friendly Aloe, Lampranthus, Cryophytum, Melaleuca, Callistemon.

If you can add some humus (not manure unless it is well-rotted) you may be able to improve the water-holding capacity of your soil. Plants such as Protea actually resent manure, so compost is 'better'.
jean001a
10 years ago
Suggest you talk with the folks at your County's Extension Service office.

Use this map
http://www.csrees.usda.gov/Extension/

Here is a link that might be useful: locate your County's Extension Service office
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