Plant suggestions...

[aftermidnight]

@bobm would Hypericum (zones 5-9) fit the bill? I think it's Hypericum calycinum (St. John's Wort) that's used a lot around here as a ground cover, especially on slopes. It's as tough as nails looks decent all year round, flowers are yellow and once established it smother any weed that dares raise it's head.
Annette

 

[bobm]

@bobm would Hypericum (zones 5-9) fit the bill? I think it's Hypericum calycinum (St. John's Wort) that's used a lot around here as a ground cover, especially on slopes. It's as tough as nails looks decent all year round, flowers are yellow and once established it smother any weed that dares raise it's head.
Annette

Annette ... St. John's Wort is a toxic and invasive weed plant. So, no go. Google it to see toxic properties.

 

[bobm]

I thought you had a very low opinion of your local MG's?

I have found out the hard way that most of the master gardeners, at least in Vancouver, Wa., are in name only and book learning types that have a very narrow knowledge base with personal prejudist points of view in plant selection / gardening skills. I literally had zero success with their plant / gardening recomendations. Those that make a living with plants are great , but few and far between.

 

[bobm]

Thistlebloom ... thank you , I will check out that web site as well as the plant recomendations.

 

[aftermidnight]

Annette ... St. John's Wort is a toxic and invasive weed plant. So, no go. Google it to see toxic properties.

Used a lot around here and sold in all the garden centers, advertised as a dense but not invasive ground cover, like so many of the plants we grow, there are some drawbacks to them .

Annette

 

[Nyboy]

I believe St. John's wort has medical use.

 

[bobm]

I believe St. John's wort has medical use.

Yes, as with many herbals of folk cure lore, what about bad interaction with prescription medications ?

 

[thistlebloom]

If you look up most landscape plants you'll find many that are "toxic" if ingested.
Much of those would have to be ingested in enormous quantities to do you harm.

Just like life in the rest of the real world, a little looking before you leap can keep you out of trouble.

 

[Nyboy]

I think there can be a lot of good in folk lore. I give my pregnant dogs raspberry leaves. Folk lore says it helps delivery