Need to know where it’s located...nearest big city.

tj

Chino Hills, CA

Ages ago the people at Sunset magazine realized California's planting zones did not well match the USDA's winter hardiness map. The proximity to the ocean, and landforms such as mountains mean there are many more hardiness zones. Chino lies in Sunset Zone 18. Over a 20-year period, winter lows averaged from 22 to 17°F (–6 to –8°C). The all-time lows recorded by different weather stations in Zone 18 ranged from 22 to 7°F (–6 to –14°C). But, I also looked up "ground covers for southern California" and found the following: Native Ground Covers; and Ground Covers. Not all of the listed plants will work in your situation. You should talk with local nursery people who know what grows best in your often too hot, too dry situation.

Start by laying out a path. It should be a narrow switchback, with the path also serving to terrace the slope. Use a flexible hose or rope and experiment with possible configurations. Even better, map the contour lines by using a long level or tripod with a plumb line. These lines will determine your planting and paths. The path should have a destination, a view from the top? Erosion and drainage are critical so study both at the outset and thruout the process. I’m in a totally different landscape on the east coast but hillsides are hillsides..

Brilliant! Thank you very much!