Let me see if I can cover enough ground here to help you out.

In an attempt to keep family peace, your in-laws’ suggestion of mulching that area is not such a beastly suggestion. Mulch is inexpensive and carefree and never needs mowing! However, there are options with a bit more character than plain old mulch.

Let’s Plant!

Have you considered using plants to fill in that area? There is a whole class of plants called ground covers that might just tame that Beast of yours. Ground covers are perennial plants that provide dense soil cover, retain weed growth, and help to prevent soil erosion. When grown properly, ground covers can be almost as carefree as mulch, but so much more interesting.

There are all kinds of ground covers for your yard. Your covering might be herbaceous or woody, deciduous or evergreen, clumping or running, ground hugging or tall. The important thing to remember is that just like your other plantings, ground covers should be chosen for a specific site in mind. They will need the right amount of sun, the right kind of soil, and the right kind of care.

A Good Place To Start

Here are a few good ground covers for your slope:
English Ivy
Vinca Minor
Lamium (pictured to the right)
Variegated Goatweed

These shrubs are good choices on a slope:
Bearberry
Cotoneaster
Junipers (pictured to the right)
Low-spreading Rose Bushes

These are great flowering ground covers:
Pachysandra
Hardy Geranium
Sweet Woodruff
Lady’s Mantle (pictured to the right)
Ajuga
Thyme

Wrap Up

Drive around your town and look at what others have done with their slippery slopes. See what you like best and take some photos. Bring those photos down to Koopman Lumber and we will help you identify and select just the right ground cover for your lawn. Your in-laws will be so impressed!

Happy Gardening!
Flora Gardner