AboutMarc Chapelle, ASLA Expertise As a licensed Landscape Architect, I can answer general questions about style and design, ideas and suggestions for site amenities, larger site-planning issues, or recreation and park design.
IF YOU JUST WANT A PLANT SUGGESTION GO HERE: http://www.growit.com/PlantInfo/LandScape.htm
I prefer you ask somebody else why your petunias are not as perky as they should be...I'd LOVE to tell you how can use those petunias to increase your home's value!
Experience Member, American Society of Landscape Architects (ALSA.org); Past clients have been mostly contractors, developers and local civil engineering/architecture firms, plus the occasional homeowner. Currently, I design recreational facilities for the National Park Service (DOI).
I am located in the dry Great Basin area (Greater Nevada/Utah), so the use of landscape materials OTHER than plants is emphasized. As a licensed Landscape Architect on the East and West Coasts, I have been in practice over 20 years.
Organizations ASLA (ASLA.org)
Education/Credentials BSLA in Landscape Architecture, 1989
Many additional seminars, educational venues, and classes (both taught & attended)
Awards and Honors Best Multifamily project, 1993
Best Model Home Landscaping, 1993
Question I have a very large shaded area in my yard that just won't grow grass. I have tried many different types of grass and nothing. I want to plant ground covering. Which types are more drought tolerant? I live in in a historic town in a historical district and so the water pressure isn't the best. I have had the sprinklers adjusted and changed and am just tired of all the battles regarding this yard. I feel that ground covering is my only solution. It is such a large project I need a plant that is not very costly and can tolerate a smaller amount of watering. Can you help me with this problem?
Answer Hello, Jane - Nope. Grass won't grow in heavy shade.
Shade gardening is one of the most difficult conditions encountered in a landscape.
As you didn't specify your particular area, here is a web spot that you can look up your own personal USDA zone for further guidance: http://davesgarden.com/zone/
It depends on your zone and how much "fuss factor" you wish to employ. There is nothing like local help in selecting the appropriate plant. For REALLY heavy shade, there is nothing that beats hardscape/pavers/rock, in my opinion. No water & no light necessary.
As well, the Historic District may also have limitations as to what you can plant or install (pavers/falgstone/crushed oyster shells, etc). Worth checking before you spend a lot of $$ on plants or pavers.
