Hi, folks!

Gardening in San Jose, California -- USDA zone 9, Sunset zone 16.

I have a prominent space at the edge of a (grumble) lawn, located next
to an apple tree, but just out from under the tree's drip line (when
it's in leaf). The spot is about a square meter. It's at the bottom
of a short, shallow slope which terminates at the lawn. The soil is
mostly clay, but has been amended with some organic matter. The site
receives partial shade to full sun.

Grass used to grow in this location, but I have been making efforts to
reduce the size of our lawn, particularly on the sloped parts of the
yard. Over the past two years I have tried two different plants in
this location, without lasting success. Initially, the plants thrive
and grow. About a year later, they croak. My first attempt was with
jagged lavender (Lavandula pinnata); my second, with ornamental quince
(Chaenomeles japonica).

I don't think that I'm committing any blunders with water. Turgor
pressure was good in the leaves of the lavender, right until the point
when it decided to die. I'm actually not sure that the quince is dead
yet -- but it lost about 95% of its leaves in late summer, which was
far too early, even as turgor in the remaining leaves was still good.
It isn't setting buds right now, which it should be doing.

All around the drip line of this apple tree, and even under it to some
extent, plants are thriving. It's just this one spot that refuses to
grow anything. I'm not the kind of gardener who normally likes to
force a piece of ground to do something that it doesn't wish to do.
But I have trouble believing that nothing will grow on this spot
besides the grass that I removed. Help me, before I kill again!
Suggestions are appreciated!

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