Native Plants
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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
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Wednesday - October 20, 2004
From: Radnor, PA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Erosion Control, Groundcovers
Title: Low maintenance, native plants for sloping drive near Philadelphia
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
My cabin is located in the northwest suburbs of Philadelphia. I am looking for low maintenance plants that would look good on the sides of a driveway that slopes upward. This is a potential project for my boy scout troop.ANSWER:
Since you are in Pennsylvania, the best solution for you probably is to talk with someone in your area about what specific plants would be appropriate for your project. You might begin by contacting someone in the Pennsylvania Native Plant Society. I found information and lists of native plants for Maryland for wildlife habitat and conservation. Those plants listed for the Piedmont plateau region of Maryland should be relevant for the location of your cabin. The plant lists break them down into groundcover, grasses, herbaceous, shrubs, etc. The lists give information about the requirements for soil moisture, sunlight, size, flower color, and bloom period. There are sample plants lists for different conditions such as wet sites, shade, dry sun, etc. Pictures and information for many of the plants listed can be seen on the Wildflower Center web page. You can also find a list of suppliers (nurseries or seed companies) by visiting our useful resource.
More Erosion Control Questions
Plants to prevent bank erosion in Virginia
April 02, 2009 - I am looking for good native plant choices for a steep river bank. My driveway is at the top of this slope, so I will need to avoid any plants that would cause erosion. I would prefer low shrubs.
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Groundcover for Bonsall, CA
October 17, 2012 - I live in Bonsall, CA. (San Diego) I have 3 acres, flat and sloped that are graded dirt. (DG and sheep poop from previous owner). It is getting close to mud season and I'd like to plant winter cover...
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Flowering Deer Resistant Ground Cover for Dry Rocky Soil: Alabama
March 26, 2012 - My question has been partially answered in the FAQ but I live in Birmingham where the soil is clay and rocky so it's a little different. I want to plant on a rocky slope (small rocks like the size of...
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Plants for banks of a retention pond in Alabama
April 24, 2009 - What can we plant on the inner and out walls of a detention pond to stop erosion? The pond is located in a neighborhood in Mobile, AL and the walls are 9 ft high with a steep slope.
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Groundcover for erosion control
July 22, 2008 - I have a sloped area in my back yard where we need to plant some erosion control plants. The area is above a large (100 foot long x 4 foot tall) stone wall and another smaller wall of natural stone. ...
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