We live on the shore of Lake Ontario. Our cliff is getting beat up and we've lost about a foot this winter so far. It's relatively steep. Someone prior to us planted some Crown Vetch, but it really hasn't spread much. I'm thinking of Pachasandra, Periwinkle (Myrtle) or Snow On The Mount. I think the Pachasanda might be best, as it's north facing so it doesn't get much, if any, direct sun even in the summer. The waves don't typically reach all the way up (I've never measured but I'd guess it's about 10-15' high). This past summer we had a decent beach and the water never neared it. Of course now the level is higher and there's no beach. I'd like to try to slow the loss (I know I can't stop it). The cliff is bordered the lake/stone beach on the bottom and mowed lawn on the top, and more cliff belonging to neighbors on either side, so invasiveness via spreading/rooting isn't an issue. It will be washed away or mowed unless it goes to the sides and I am sure neither neighbor would mind less erosion (neither have anything other than mowed lawn at the top for it to bother either). I wouldn't even mind if we had to allow it to come up onto the lawn part for a few foot border if it would help it root better.
Thoughts? I am barking up the right tree with Pachasandra? Should I try to find some more Crown Vetch?
Thoughts? I am barking up the right tree with Pachasandra? Should I try to find some more Crown Vetch?