Ground Cover for a Steep, Shady Bank in Southwest Virginia

For a 10-foot steep bank (Zone 8, part shade, rocky, wooded edges): remove weeds/roots first. Plant aggressive spreaders: creeping juniper cultivars ('Blue Chip', 'Prince of Wales'—6 ft spread, slow), J. sabina types ('Broadmoor', 'Buffalo', 'Skandia'), rockspray cotoneaster, or ivy. Liriope works but is overused. Plant tight (1 ft oc) for speed.

These choke weeds by being 'meaner.' Expect hard work upfront. Whatever you plant will dominate—choose wisely.