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Re: noninvasive groundcover suggestions?

At 09:08 31/03/97 -0800, Dave Encisco wrote:
>
>Now I'm looking for some manageable groundcover suggestions that won't
>take over other plants and shrubs (and the neighbors' yard as well). I
>have many spots in the yard to replant, some clay; a built up fir bark
>bed; some shade and some direct sun. I have replanted a couple of
>areas with different types of creeping Thyme, but I looking for more
>ideas and suggestions that differ from what everyone else in the
>neighborhood plants.

Could you be a bit more explicit on your requirements?  Do you want 
plants that can stand being walked on (often, or occasionally)?  Are 
you worried about erosion, or just want something green on top of 
the dirt?  Should it be something that roots close together by suckering 
etc (better for erosion and weed control, other things being equal), or 
that spreads over several meters from a single root (less likely get out 
of control)?  How high?  (I've heard the term "groundcover" applied to 
plants that are anything from less than 1 cm high to 1 meter or more.)
Is it important that it sticks to the ground and won't climb into trees 
and shrubs if it gets the chance?

Anyway, here's one suggestion that's commonly used in Australia, so 
should be available in US, but maybe is "different" enough in 
California:
Grevillea curviloba (the prostrate subspecies): About 20 cm (8 in) high,
spreads over 2-3 meters or more after a couple of years.  Bright green 
feathery foliage, will stand some abuse, but should not be considered 
"walkable on".  Best in part to full sun.  Prolific white flowers for a 
couple of weeks in late winter/early spring (August here near Sydney).  
Native to the vicinity of Perth, where it's threatened in the wild due 
to the growth of suburbia, but it seems very adaptable, including to 
summer rainfall areas.

There are also many other Australian plants that make good 
groundcovers . . .

John
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