You are probably sick of me saying how glorious May is in Utah. It is green and colorful everywhere and smells so wonderful and I can't get enough of it. It is also such a busy month! I feel like I should be in the yard all day working outside in the perfect temps though and wish I could.
This is what we began with. I do wish we had done natural rock steps but we had never really discussed with the builder and we came over one day and the steps and railing were there. I also think it had to do something with code. Anyway, we wanted to add some color and variety to the plain brown so these are the ones we've had success with. They have all spread niceley but aren't invasive since they will stay put if cut back and are like zero maintenance. We make sure they get some water in the summer that's about it but these also seem pretty drought tolerant.
I just asked neighbors when I was on walks in the neighborhood if I saw something I liked and then went to the nursery to see if they had it. I don't know if these do well in all areas but they have been wonderful in garden zone 6a in Utah.
The yellow is basket-of-gold (Aurinia saxtilis)
These white flowers are candytuft plant (Iberis sempervirens)
The purple and pink are creeping phlox (Phlox subulata)
And the sedum sod was a pack from Costco years back that has also spread nicely.
Rock Cress is also a great one -- this is on the side of the house.
Now I also planted vinca vine along the stairs and I don't know if I would so that again -- it spreads like crazy and is more invasive but I'll let you know.
I'll get a better picture in the evening without the bright sun but this is how it's filled in.
The trick is to bring in plenty of color in the summer as well -- what are your favorite perennials that aren't too fussy?
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