Car Resistant Native Grasses???

[Anonymous]

I am searching for types of Northern CA native grasses that could be planted in a grass-covered parking area. Most of the responses that I've gotten suggest that there are no native grasses that would likely withstand the extreme degree of wear & tear and soil compaction that this site experiences. But I'm hoping that someone might be able to give me some leads. Thanks!</p>

[Anonymous]

Evelyn,Although I live in the southern part of the state I have two ideas for you. First, consider using a base of concrete units that lock together and provide the strength needed to prevent compaction. Golf cart paths use them as do many driveways that like the green look. They are not at all complicated and actually resemble the old 'decorative' see-through top blocks that were put on the tops of block walls years ago. They are like cells that provide sidewall strength but are hollow so that water flows trough them and into the soil beneath. You plant in the hollow spaces design exactly for this purpose. ahhhhh!!!! If i had a pencil i could describe its look quite easily. Anyway you lay these grids together preferably over a course gravel to help draniage, and then dump soil over the top and rake the soil around lightly compressing it, prior to planting. This provides the foundation for you to have a drivable, parkable, driveway of green. Another possibility is to use thick concrete 'rip rap' in a mosaic pattern with Sedge and Yarrow Etc running happily along the deliberatly wide cracks. this is even more durable than the first option and cheaper, though not having exactly the meadow look you seem to be after.Now to your original question. There may be a native grass from your area that would fill the bill but i cannot think of one! But, as I mentioned in an earlier post, Sedge Carex sp is an excellent native plant possesing several of the characteristics people look for in the grass family, grassy leaves, short stature often, green color most the year 'round, and durability. I'm not saying that it would be super easy, but with the proper preparation, i have seen it work. Perhaps these ideas will help.You could even go so far as to include bulbs and a few select wildflowers for your area and have a nice meadow great for a picnic when not in service. Just make sure your car does not leak oil!Best of luck-Dan </p>