I have a ditch I don't want to mow anymore. I posted this (pretty much) in daylilies, because what I'm thinking of is planting daylilies all along the street (county) side of the ditch. Not down in the ditch -- I don't want to interfere with drainage. But gullies have formed and I need to fill them in and get vegetation on there really quick so they won't erode back down again. This would be a swath about 1-2 feet wide, right at the street, and maybe 80 feet long.
I'd certainly consider a groundcover, but it has to look good for at least most of the year, which daylilies would do. I'd put in those pretty pink primroses, but when the heat sets in down here, they can't take it.
Somebody please suggest something perfect! *L*
ditch project
How tall can the plant be that you want to plant there?
I'm pretty open about that; I need to call the county extension agent to make sure but I'm looking at everything from tiny to 2 feet.
How about Salvia greggii, It bloms continously, comes in many colors, is easy to find, you can prune it to whatever heigth you like, can take the heat,
and it is basically evergreen.
What more could you ask for? Oh, and it's also native.
Hello Brigidlily, Is the ditch generally dry or soggy/ clay or tons of drainage? I think that you need to consider if it is soggy during a rainy time of year. I am unfamiliar with Lumberton TX. Regards, tosaho AKA TexasGardenGal.
Think Louisiana Iris Brigidlily--just give the ditch a few good soakings in the winter if its dry--a native plant does real well in our areas. Keep some mulch on them in the summer. Dmail me--I've got a good source in Metarie and near Lake Charles. I just don't read the posts too often.
Here is what a "ditch" can look like with LA Iris. Thank You Patrick O'Connor for use of the photo.
I love pickerelweek (Pontederia cordata) in a ditch... native plant
Debbie the LA Iris' are beautiful.
I found the salvia greggii in the plant files -- very pretty, and well worth considering. Since I'm doing something relatively "unusual" (which I'm afraid is looked upon disdainfully around my 'hood) it might be a subtler choice than the irises. On the other hand, whereas some would see the salvia and think "weed -- she's not taking care of it!" anyone would see the irises and think, "oh! irises!" And who doesn't like irises?
Still haven't talked with the agent. I'm going to find the pickerelweed and consider that as well, butterfly.
Fall's coming (eternal optimist...) and I'll need to have the right plan in place.
Thanks, all -- I'll decide before too long.
Edited to say I found the pickerelweed. It's gorgeous, but I think would need more of a warm bog than I have. It's only occasionally a warm bog down here. Sometimes it's a hot piney wood. And it can freeze.
This message was edited Aug 21, 2006 10:19 AM