ground cover

Exposed earth is a disaster waiting to happen. I really cannot understand why in Abruzzo so many farmrs chose to plough their olive groves even if they are on a steep slope. The soil is nerly always clay with lots of chalk and limestones and on the roads it creats ice rink conditions. A friend of mine lot control of her car last winter while driving over some wet clay that had been washed from the hillside.

Ground cover plants are the answer for most house owners.They can be ornamental,edible or both.Edible plants that spread quickly are strawberries,and some types of raspberries.Both are best planted in the autumn when the ground is moist.
Other good plants for cover are:

•Ajuga or Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans) - Ajuga form a low, dense carpet of semi-evergreen foliage. Ajuga is tolerant of most conditions as long as drainage is good, but can be invasive.
•Liriope or Lilyturf (Liriope muscari, L. spicata) - Evergreen ground covers with grass-like leaves; adaptable to a wide range of conditions.
•Ornamental grasses - A large selection is available; most prefer full sun.
•Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper (Juniperus procumbens 'Nana') - Forms low, spreading mounds of evergreen foliage. Does best in full sun.

Erosion in the landscape, Abruzzo