Thanks. We live on Grand Traverse Bay off Lake Mi, so it's a fresh water beach. I have not actually planted the grasses yet. They're still in the containers setting out by the steps. Yes, rain is the only cause of erosion. The area is on a slight decline so a hard rain tends to wash out the sand around the steps. There is a small amount of moisture there because of some irrigation in the lawn, but it's fairly dry overall. Thanks for helping me clarify.

On Wed., the southwestern portion of Oklahoma may see the development of critical fire weather conditions as a dry line moves across the area accompanied by high winds. The danger zone includes the cities of Clinton, Lawton and Alton and extends across the river into the Wichita Falls, Texas, area. Latest map linked below. Click on the Wed. map at the right side of the linked page to enlarge it. Gardeners in southwestern OK should thoroughly water their landscapes and plants well in advance of the dry line and keep their eyes open for possible development of wildfire. Even though I am far enough east that the severe fire threat shouldn't reach us on Wed., I've been mowing pastures down short, removing brush and pruning up tree limbs. As dry as it is here in southcentral OK, you can't be too careful. We've had two very, very minor wildfires on our property in the decade we've been here, but we've had a couple of significantly larger ones on the three ranches just across the road from us, and it makes you pay attention to fire weather warnings once you've been 'threatened' with their destructive capacity. Dawn Here is a link that might be useful: Updated map for Wed.

hmmmm....I'm in Palm Springs, CA so similar climates....well....The Mango will grow in that spot straight up I think until it hits more direct sun, which at that point it should then begin to produce fruit...but maybe even a little before that. Would you mind it reaching and cresting the roof line before fruiting? If so, it will be not the greatest life, but it should survive. I mean south exposure is great for protecting it from frost but I worry about the meager (if not spindly) growth. Could you post a picture of the spot, pulled back a bit so we could see the scene with some perspective? I don't know anything about Lychees...also, mangoes in pots in the back yard would probably be OK even with no direct sun in the winter, ONLY if you could cover them or move them into m0re protected spaces when it does get cold.... MD

"Best" is of course highly subjective. A couple of ideas off the top of my head: Geraldton wax flower, Chamlaucium uncinatum Australian tea tree, Leptospermum - several species. Named varieties will tend to be smaller. Carefully research mature height before purchase. I think of these as shrubs, but the "airy" description and ultimate height suit your needs. Both will tolerate dry periods once established. Water weekly after planting for 2 years or until plant is well established. These will do best in full sun. Alternatively, if you prefer something more vertical with a bare trunk and foliage up top, I can recommend specific palms if you describe your climate in greater detail. Coastal, inland, fog, dry, cool winter? What is your garden style?