Question: Monday, March 13, 2000
We have a trampoline with crushed rock underneath it. We now want to get rid of the trampoline and perhaps use the crushed rock area,(octagon in shape and about 16')as an alpine or desert garden. I'd thought of making a dry riverbed, but I really haven't a clue as to what would be more suitable for our area. This area is on the south side of the yard and gets quite hot in the summer, we live in southern Manitoba, zone 3. Please forward any ideas as to the way to approach this area. Thank-you. I've enjoyed your website.
Answer:
Have you thought about xeriscaping? I have listed a few plants you could consider for your dry-summer, cold-winter climate such as zone 3, which would be ideal in the area you describe.
Arrhenatherum bulbosum 'Variegatum' (Bulbous Oat Grass) - Zone 2-9
Boutelova gracilis (Mosquito Grass) - Zone 3-9
Fescue glauce 'Skinners Blue' (Blue Fescue- selected in Manitoba) Zone 2-9
Sedum x Autumn Joy - Zone 2-9
Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks) - Zone 1-9
Liatris (Blazing Star) - Zone 2-9
Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) - Zone 3-9
Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' (Black-eyed Susan) - Zone 3-9
Groundskeeper@marksgarden.com
