This weekend I have contributed to the household by hacking back a set of overgrown shrubs in the backyard (and marking for Imminent Death a vicious triffid that snuck up on me; as soon as I get a pair of gloves, it is gone) and stuffing some high-density foam into the squooshed-by-use couch cushions.
This, however, is pretty much the extent of my abilities when it comes to gardening and upholstery. Thus, I ask LJ:
- What can we plant in our backyard (pictures over on Chad's blog) as grass-replacement ground cover? Requirements:
- Thrive in Zone 5 in basically constant shade, under sugar maples and one enormous oak tree, in soil that's not obviously sandy or clay-like but doesn't drain particularly well (possibly because it's pretty tight-packed at the moment).
- Safe for FutureBaby.
- No maintenance except maybe seasonal trimming.
- Not going to take over the neighbors' lawns if we turn our backs.
Of the things suggested at Chad's so far, I like the idea of moss, and hate the idea of gravel or pavement. Vinca sounds too invasive, and hosta apparently requires a good deal of water. Other suggestions?
- If I wanted to walk into a store and buy ready-to-sit-on rocking chair cushions, do I want a furniture store? A department store? Something else?
(Yes, I know I can get them online, but I'd like to sit on them first.)
Thanks, all.