California Gardening: Nearly impossible?, 1 by kwanjin

kwanjin wrote:
Hello CA gardeners. I have 2 questions.

I have been sent on a task by my dear, dear husband. I asked him what plant reminded him of southern CA and he replied, "A succulent ground cover." "Which one?" I asked, looking skeptical. "I don't know. It wasn't a bush."

After many questions as to size, leaf shape and color, and areas where he saw this "succulent ground cover", I'm still no closer to the answer. Here's what I have...knee high, green like an aloe, finger-shaped leaves about as long as a pinky and succulent that's found all over the San Diego area. The only thing I could think of was a sedum of some kind.

Any ideas? Please?

I'm asking because I have started a memorial garden for our parents. We lost his dad in 1986 and are taking a rose from his lovely rose garden. We lost my dad, my mom and his mom all last year. We have hollyhocks planted for my mom, the rose for his dad, a plant form our yard that reminded his mom of Puerto Rico where she was born but we have nothing for my dad. He's from CA and dearly loved the southern regions. My brothers and I all grew up in Santa Ana but we can't think of any specific flower or plant dad liked. He loved it all.

Suggestions for any SoCal looking plants that would be hardy in a Z5a area are needed. Perennials, reseeding annuals or vines would be fine.

Thanks in advance!