"Eigenvector" wrote in message
...
Is there a plant or small bush that can be used in areas where the soil is
terrible?

I have a section of ground around my patio right over the septic tank that
has terrible fill dirt soil, lots of rocks, and one part gets full sun and
another shade from a big Doug Fir. So I'm looking for something that
doesn't have huge roots, and will survive in the Seattle Area. I was
looking at Periwinkle, but that is a bit too aggressive for me - I don't
need any more invasive species in my yard. I've also ruled out Ivy due to
the habit of vermin using it as a home.

Just something leafy and maybe flowers.


Pachysandra will thrive in some truly ugly soil and situations. In my
previous home, it lived in a spot where chunks of ice the size of shoe boxes
fell on it all winter, and it was roasted and dry all summer. The plants
just laughed at this treatment. However, you have absolutely no excuse for
not buying a bag of composted manure and mixing it into your soil. While
you're on your knees, you may as well sift out as many rocks as you can.