Fw: South-facing problem area

Charl:
 
I requested help with a very similar area several months ago, and the group was extremely quiet!  I do have a suggestion for a ground cover that has worked admirably well under similar circumstances: Myoporum parviflorum.  It has done great in those exact sun/moisture conditions for me, though in truth, my soil is not as freely draining.  However, the texts say it likes free drainage, so the sandiness shouldn't be a problem.  It stays cheerfully green all year and doesn't seem to mind too much the drastic swing from winter to summer.   For shrubs you're on your own!  I haven't found any that would fit that description for that spot yet! :-)
Karrie Reid
Folsom Foothill Gardener
California Zone 9
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, August 01, 2005 5:16 AM
Subject: South-facing problem area

Hi
 
I need some suggestions with regard to a South-facing area that receives no sun in winter and is is continually damp during those months. In summer it is very dry, receives some morning (and all afternoon) sun but is directly exposed to the prevailing  South Easter wind which comes directly off the sea. The soil  is acidic, sandy and hydrophobic.  
 
Existing primary plants are several Pride of Madeira (very happy and flower profusely -they are fantastic plants for mulching the area around and under them), Arum Lilys (under occasional attack from a porcupine) and Papyrus ( have diverted outside shower and fresh water rinsing basin in kitchen to their position) and several Dusty Millers which I am removing as they are straggly and have taken to growing horizontally. Also some indigineous plants that I have yet to identify and a acid green, thick ground cover that is very happy but has refuses to budge away from the wet corner into the dark desert. The area is thickly mulched
 
I have thought of creating a bog garden or putting in a pond but would prefer to move away from any feature that requires water (majr water restrictions) . Ideally, I would like to put in a (waterwise) lush ground cover (too wet for arctotis) that could add some colour (would not have to bear any traffic) and some long flowering medium sized shrubs. I have some bromeliads that I could replant into the area but the area is adjacent to the front door and I need some colour and impact.
 
I would appreciate any suggestions from the group.  
 
Regards
Charl
 
 

 

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