The Matrix

The Approach

A matrix planting scheme combine plants to create a beautiful space that ensures slope stability. Slow-spreading, clump-forming plants with complimentary root structures will stabilize the slope and simplify maintenance while creating a beautiful garden for people and pollinators. Plant texture and structure along with long season blooms will create a beautiful space that transforms through the seasons.

  • Slope Stabilization – establish deep, fibrous, and fleshy-rooted plants to create a strong root matrix that binds the soil.

  • Low Maintenance – the plants are chosen to block weeds and will only require once a year maintenance

  • Year-Round Visual Appeal – a mix of textures, colors that will change as the seasons change

The Site

This 325 sq ft slope presents a challenge due to its steep slope and constant sun exposure.  It is difficult to weed and automatic watering is not possible

The Plants

Hardy hibiscus - this nativar has dark leaves and amazing flowers from July to October. Once established, it's deep fleshy roots will find water so this lush beauty can thrive all summer.

Hardy hibiscus - this nativar has dark leaves and amazing flowers from July to October. Once established, it's deep fleshy roots will find water so this lush beauty can thrive all summer.

This soft yellow Shasta Daisy brings its mellow color from midsummer on. The color provides excellent contrast without being jarring.

This soft yellow Shasta Daisy brings its mellow color from midsummer on. The color provides excellent contrast without being jarring.

Monarda are a favorite of butterflies and hummingbirds. The new, shorter cultivars are less aggressive while retaining the color and unique shape.

Monarda are a favorite of butterflies and hummingbirds. The new, shorter cultivars are less aggressive while retaining the color and unique shape.

'Karl Foerster' is a beautiful grass that adds grass with its warm color and gently swaying form. It does not spread by runners or set seed.

'Karl Foerster' is a beautiful grass that adds grass with its warm color and gently swaying form. It does not spread by runners or set seed.

Agastache foeniculum is a beautiful native with incredibly deep roots that will stabilize the slope while allowing the beautiful flowers to stand tall all summer.

Agastache foeniculum is a beautiful native with incredibly deep roots that will stabilize the slope while allowing the beautiful flowers to stand tall all summer.

'Blessed Again' is an extraordinary itis. It blooms in May on striking foliage that retains its structure and texture all summer long. It will then give a smaller show in fall that is striking against the asters' rich color. It is also an excellent c

'Blessed Again' is an extraordinary itis. It blooms in May on striking foliage that retains its structure and texture all summer long. It will then give a smaller show in fall that is striking against the asters' rich color. It is also an excellent cut flower and smells like heaven.

This stunning native is one of the best kept secrets of the horticultural world. Its fleshy roots and evergreen rosettes will help hold the soil in place while the blue flowers dazzle you all summer. It is also an excellent cut flower and it's seedhe

This stunning native is one of the best kept secrets of the horticultural world. Its fleshy roots and evergreen rosettes will help hold the soil in place while the blue flowers dazzle you all summer. It is also an excellent cut flower and it's seedheads are very cool. I have no idea why this plant isn't more popular. DId I mention that pollinators love it?

Liatris is a magical native. Aside from looking like magic wands, it has fresh foliage that adds texture and form to any garden. Its root structure supports its strong growth while supporting the steep slope. It's a strong grower that grows more impr

Liatris is a magical native. Aside from looking like magic wands, it has fresh foliage that adds texture and form to any garden. Its root structure supports its strong growth while supporting the steep slope. It's a strong grower that grows more impressive without spreading out of bounds.

Siberian iris are incredibly resiliant plants. It likes moisture, but the roots can reach incredible depths to find water. Don't let the shallow nursery pot fool you - it can easily grow roots that are 4' deep.

Siberian iris are incredibly resiliant plants. It likes moisture, but the roots can reach incredible depths to find water. Don't let the shallow nursery pot fool you - it can easily grow roots that are 4' deep.

During October, when everyone else is buying dead-colored mums, Aster oblongolius will be smothered in perfect blue flowers that attract butterflies that you didn't even know were there.

During October, when everyone else is buying dead-colored mums, Aster oblongolius will be smothered in perfect blue flowers that attract butterflies that you didn't even know were there.

Sedum has it all - great foliage and texture, beautiful flowers, drought tolerant and incredibly heat tolerant.

Sedum has it all - great foliage and texture, beautiful flowers, drought tolerant and incredibly heat tolerant.

Nepeta (catmint) is an early summer bloomer with an impressive survival instinct. This low growing native pollinator magnet is very robust and drought tolerant - perfect for a steep slope in full sun.

Nepeta (catmint) is an early summer bloomer with an impressive survival instinct. This low growing native pollinator magnet is very robust and drought tolerant - perfect for a steep slope in full sun.

Echinacea (coneflower) is a resilient summer bloomer that thrives in both dry and poor soils. This native plant is a magnet for pollinators and brings a burst of color with its striking daisy-like flowers. Its drought tolerance and ability to withsta

Echinacea (coneflower) is a resilient summer bloomer that thrives in both dry and poor soils. This native plant is a magnet for pollinators and brings a burst of color with its striking daisy-like flowers. Its drought tolerance and ability to withstand heat make it an ideal choice for this sunny, well-drained area.

The Plant Strategy

1. Deep Anchors (3-5' roots)

Deep-rooted plants help prevent slope erosion because their roots penetrate the soil, creating a network that binds and stabilizes the soil particles.

  • Siberian Iris

  • Anise Hyssop

2. Drought Defiers (2-3' roots)

These plants will interact with the deeper rooted plants to build an even stronger bond.

  • Dwarf Hardy Hibiscus

  • Dwarf Monarda

  • Echinacea

  • Liatris spicata

3. Soil Stitchers (1-2' roots)

Soil stitchers’ roots work with the deeper rooted plants to create a stabilize the entire depth

  • ‘Karl Foerster’ Grass

  • Stokes' Aster

  • Aromatic Aster

  • 'Blessed Again' Reblooming Iris

  • Sedum

  • Nepeta