Hello. I live and work in the Fraser Valley. I build lots of septic systems. Most of them are raised mounds. They are constructed in an arc, 10 feet wide at the top and 25 feet wide at the bottom usually 100 - 125 feet long. The material used is C33 sand, it by design is very well draining and has a top soil (sandy loam) cap 8 - 12 inches thick. Lets face it they are ugly. Here are the guidelines to follow: A permanent vegetation cover is required is required to minimize topsoil loss Open sites are more susceptible to frost, heaving and erosion Plants trap snow which acts as a mulch and prevents erosion No tilling is allowed Use plants that do not like water or wet soils near the septic system. This will prevent their root systems from interfering with the septic system Use only herbaceous (non-woody) plants on the mound Avoid irrigation and fertilization, use plants that can withstand dry conditions Minimize traffic on the mound, both human and animal Do not plant edible plants such as vegetables and herbs What I am looking for is a list of plants and/or grasses (wildflowers would be nice) that are locally available, meet the guidelines above and if there is such a word be less ugly This is rather a long post but I thought I would get it all out there at once. Thank you
I'd be tempted to use various and assorted cultivars of Cortaderia (Pampas grass) if it were'nt listed as an invasive in your area - it conforms to all of your specifications, is so sharp that even deer won't touch it, is inedible, and is suitable for xeriscaping (no-watering gardens). Plus it's pretty.
I certainly sympathize...when we lived in Ottawa, we had a huge septic tank drain field. All we could do on it was plant grass...BORING!!! You might consider using the same sort of plants that are used for green roofs...these are shallow rooted, ground cover type plants. Here is a link to a website that has some information and links to more information: http://www.bluestem.ca/green-roofs.htm BCIT has a test site that demonstrates green roofs with lots of different plants.
One of my favorites which could work fine for you, is Miscanthus sinensis. Needs some cutting in winter, but pretty nice in several seasons. Nice leaves, tidy form, colorful seed heads and gold autumn and early winter leaf color.
