We live on a freshwater lake lot. The prior owner cleared the bank and I am concerned about erosion as we plan on living here forever (or longer :-) ). We are prevented by local rules from putting down riprap or seawalls. So, I want to plant something to help control the erosion. I am seeking advice on what to plant. The target plant should be:
- Low maintenance. (I'm lazy.)
- A long-living perennial. (I certainly don't want to have to do this regularly.)
- Deer resistant. (We have lots of deer (and other wildlife) in the area, and something that isn't deer resistant will get eaten before it has a chance!)
- Be low growing. Preferably something that will not grow to be more than a few feet or so tall. (We don't want to block our view of the lake.)
- Able to grow in a variety of shade conditions. I think during the summer this area will get full sun. But in the fall, it may be shaded by the trees.
- Not have thorns. (I hate them.)
- Capable of growing in dry and moist soil. I hope to plant these on the bank only a very short distance from the edge of the lake. I guess the soil may be dry there for a couple of years, but as the lake reaches the plants the soil may become more moist.
I live in South Carolina in zone 7-8. The soil seems to be a layer of topsoil over clay on the bank, but the lake bottom is sandy soil.
I have 0 gardening skill (or less), and any advice greatly appreciated!!! Arden