Vegetation, Crushed Rock, Flagstone Or What?

[gazz]

My home is under some very large shade trees on a hillside with very little light getting to an area adjacent to one side of the house. I've tried laying sod twice but it eventually thins and dissappears. I've taken the eaves trough off that side of the house because it was impossible to keep free of falling leaves. Consequently a good deal of rainfall drains over that ground (sloped so does not collect). The fill that was used was quite heavy and clay-like with a reddish loose soil (probably not topsoil as requested) over the top. I would like to put something in place that will: prevent soil erosion, be easily swept of leaves, does not require extensive pressure wash (to remove cumulative black deposits after wet season) and, above all, look better than interlock brick found on some driveways. Potted plants or shade loving shrubs could be used on the border to add a bit of domestic greenery and separate it from the jungle. Looking forward to ideas on ground cover that will enhance this area (2m x 15m).

Edited November 26, 2009 by gazz

[Rimmer]

Have you thought about those tiny broad leaved grass like plants, that if left alone grow yellow flowers, I have no idea what they are called but they often grow along the sides of road. The plant grows sideways and can be cut with a grass cutter, They need little water grow in the shade and in the sun. I used them on the bank of my stream to stop it sliding. If it's of any use and you can't identify what I'm talking about I'll take some pictures, Ive got it all over the place.

[gazz]

Thanks for the suggestion Rimmer, but we've tried 'gadume tong' next to the building behind the house (same situation). It grows but thins and struggles. The plant is hardy but seems to like a lot of sun. I'm beginning to think, owing to soil characteristics and lack of direct sunlight, that a rock or stone alternative is the answer. Then the consideration will be the amount of water flowing over or through the ground cover; it needs to drain without undermining the substrate or covering. Ideas, ideas...where to get ideas??? Tried surfing some landscaping sites but like most these days, they just want to sell you something without offering advice or sharing expertise.

[quiksilva]

You might want to try Malaysian grass which copes with shading quite well. This is what my landscape designer suggested for me in the shaded parts of my garden where I wanted some lawn.