"Mike Lyle" wrote in message
...
Al Reynolds wrote:
[...]
For (b), [plants to retain soil inthe bank] I had thought about
just grassing the bank, but I'm
wondering if anyone has any suggestions for plants which
will do a better job of "matting" the surface of the bank together?

I'd say that grass, though a bit dull perhaps, would do a better
binding job, and do it quicker, than pretty well anything else. You
can grow a lot of low-growing wild flowers such as primroses in it
for variety. If you use grass, then convenience and safety of mowing
will be the real decider for the angle of the slope. I want to stress
safety he not just the potential for the more obvious dangerous
accident, but longer-term considerations like strain on your back.

I already have to harness myself in to mow the bottom of the garden;
at the bottom of the slope is a ten foot drop onto concrete. I was thinking
of not mowing the grass on the sloping sections - a kind of meadow effect
which I'll strim once a year.

So if it's within the budget, a good collection of ericas or heathers
would be very attractive. Once established they'll hold the soil well
enough, especially if you lay down a landscaping mesh; and would need
serious weeding only for the first two or three years; and would
never need mowing, of course! You'd have to be prepared to shell out
a pound a plant, though, unless you could find a bulk source.

A neighbour has St. John's Wort on an earth bank at the front of the house.
Would that hold the ground together well? My worry would be that it would
spread into the lawn too easily.

Thanks for the comments,
Al