Question
Hello:
I am working on my front yard and like some advice on which ground cover is the best for my yard.
I live San Francisco bay area, i believe is zone 9. weather is moderate, dry, mostly clay soil.
the ground cover will grow in a part sun, part shade area (under a big pine tree). i prefer the ground cover to be evergreen, compact, & low growing (2 in - 4 in is the best, we prefer something that can be walk on), easy maintenance.  I am on a limited budget so i am planning to loosen on the soil and start from seeds if possible.
Please advice. thank you.
min

Answer
Hi Min,
Thanx for your question.  Here is a link to some popular Native California ground covers but I don't think many of these will work for you preference that the ground cover be something that can be walked upon. That's a rather tall order if you want to grow from seed.

Anyway, here's some links...

http://www.laspilitas.com/garden/groundcover.html
http://www.stepables.com/

http://www.mynativeplants.com/site

I also came up with these.  Myoporum, dymondia, Salvia 'Gracia' and gazania.  Some of these are easily started by cuttings too.

I hope this helps.
Tom