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Texas Gardening

Ground Cover for WET area?

14 years ago

I have a large bed that gets almost full sun. In the bed we've got asian jasmine and a beautiful bald cypress with some pots to add seasonal color. This is the wettest corner of our yard and 3/4 of the bed looks wonderful with the asian jasmine but 1/4 of it just won't take. I think that section is just too wet. I've kileed so many sprigs of the jasmine in that section over the past couple of years. The dead area will hold a 2-3 inch pool of water for a good day or so after a soaking rain. We originally made the bed because the bermuda grass wouldn't grow in that soggy area and it was just a mess.

I need suggestions for what I can put in the bed to co-exist and maybe even blend nicely with the jasmine. Are there any ground covers that can take that kind of moisture and full sun??

Thanks in advance for any help!!

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Comments (9)

debndal
14 years ago
I have variegated sweetflag Acorus "Ogon" in a situation like that. There is a white/green variegated variety (about 8" tall) and a golden/green variegated variety aboout 12" tall. I have both and the golden looks the best in the sun - the gold really stands out, especially when the sun shines from the back side of the planting. There are some bog iris that would probably do well there. Look for bog plants - there are quite a few that would do well in your situation.
wantonamara Z8 CenTex
14 years ago
Lady's tresses are a terestial orchid that likes its feet wet. Spring obedience plant too.
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Brad, I have posted this many moons ago here on GW. Much of the horticultural world involves problem solving. This old timer has always enjoyed that part of the business. One problem that I have encountered at times on both new and old construction is trying to get a specified plant/shrub/tree to grow next to an exterior door exit. No amount of 'soil treatment' ever solved the problem. Some 30 years ago I was consulting with the owner of a new home under construction. The land around it was still in rough condition awaiting final smoothing. But, inside carpenters and painters were hard at work. The front door was wide open. Suddenly a painter appeared with a large bucket of something which he tossed just off the porch onto the area where I was planning to plant a shrub. When asked he indicated that it was nothing, "just the turpentine we use to clean our brushes". Upon further questioning he indicated it was something he had done for years. "A common practice in the construction business." Basically, this probably is the answer to your question. Somewhere in time your problem areas, which allow for easy disposal, have received caustic materials dumped on them. Painters and homeowners know that these types of materials should not be dumped in the sewer. These many years since I have encouraged those about to sign a construction contract to specify that all caustic materials should be removed from the site and not poured or buried in the surrounding soil. Post more pictures. They may inspire some creative ideas for you to consider.
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PKponder TX Z7B
14 years ago
I planted penny wort in a boggy area of my yard...little did I know that it is also called dollar weed and my neighbors were completely dumbfounded that I chose to plant it.
maidhc_mac
14 years ago
Marsilea, "Clover Fern", handles wet feet. One of my favourite native groundcovers.
tesa001
14 years ago
i'm looking to plant a similiar area, and was considering
creeping jenny

thoughts?

tesa
maidhc_mac
14 years ago
In my experience Creeping Jenny won't handle the full on summer sun we get in Tx. Tends to do best in part shade, esp in the hot afternoon.
rawknee
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks for all of the suggestions!

I'd love to try the clover fern. Anyone know a place in or around McKinney/Plano/Dallas that carries it?
denisew
14 years ago
The Heard Museum is having their native plant sale the weekend of April 9-11. You can check out their website and go to the link about the plant sale to see if it is on their list this year.

Another place that might have that plant is Shades of Green in Frisco located on Coit. Rd. north of Hwy. 121.

Here is a link that might be useful: Heard Museum
rawknee
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks denisew!

I checked out the Heard plant list and don't see clover fern on there. I'm also not a member so it looks like I'd have to pay $60 to join before I can purchase at the plant sale?

I did spend some time checking out their website and may head over there to enjoy the trails - looks great!

I'll swing by Shades of Green this weekend. I have the planting bug now and usually hit Shades of Green 2-3 times per month during the spring.

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