Join us as we explore erosion control with ice plants that are native to our mountain. Using ice plants that have been growing on our mountain for years along with our coconut mat serve as an affordable retaining method. As we drive around LA, we see them growing along the roadside, providing a layer of erosion control. Learn about the unique benefits of ice plants, their flowers, and how Nani’s green thumb is reshaping our landscape.

Introducing Nani

Nani, our beloved matriarch, decided to lend a hand at the Mulholland Estate during her recent visit. Armed with determination and a pair of questionable footwear, she embarked on an ambitious project: transforming our coconut mat retaining wall with vibrant ice plants.

Erosion Control with Ice Plants

Ice plants, or Delosperma, are not just pretty faces. These hardy succulents grow fast and spread easily, making them perfect for our sloped landscape. With their fleshy leaves and stunning purple flowers, they not only stabilize soil but also add a splash of color to our greenery. Plus, they’re drought-resistant, which is a win-win for our water-conscious mountain. Because they do spread, it’s important to only plant them where they can be contained, like our mat coconut wall.

Nani planting ice plants with purple flowers

Preparing for Planting on the Coconut Mat

Starting our erosion control ice plant wall, Nani and I dug up some roots from existing ice plants to use as starters. With a bit of elbow grease, we pulled out a healthy root. “Just one at a time,” I warned, trying to keep Nani from falling over. However, they were all intertwined, making it difficult to remove one at a time. So, we decided to go full steam ahead.

Our Agave Spirit Journey: From Jalisco To Hollywood

Digging Up the Roots

With the first roots successfully extracted, we moved to the coconut mat. The idea was to plant these beauties in a trench, allowing them to flourish and cascade down the wall. I handed Nani a pair of gloves and we got to work, digging holes that were just deep enough for the roots to settle comfortably.

Nani digging holes for ice plants

Nani’s Farming Footwear Dilemma

As we planted, I couldn’t help but chuckle at Nani’s choice of footwear. “Slippers aren’t exactly the best farming gear,” I teased. She shrugged it off, reminding me of the barefoot farmers back in India. “This is how we do it!” she laughed, and I admired her spirit. Who knew farming could be done with such flair?

Planting Ice Plants on the Wall

The planting process was a delightful mess of dirt and laughter. Nani filled the holes with soil, ensuring each ice plant had enough room to thrive. “They’re going to look great,” she said, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

Ice plants being planted on the coconut mat wall

With every plant we set, I could envision the wall transforming into a lush tapestry of green and purple. As we finished up, I couldn’t help but feel proud. Thanks to Nani’s efforts, our coconut wall would soon be a vibrant, living testament to her efforts.

Growth Progress After Five Months

Fast forward to October, and Nani’s ice plants are thriving! What started as a humble planting session has turned into a vibrant display of color cascading down our coconut mat. The longer roots she planted are flourishing, while the newer additions are catching up nicely. It’s like watching a family reunion where everyone brings their best selves!

Weed Management Challenges

However, with watering to promote the roots to settle in come unwelcomed invaders. As our ice plants began to fill in, so did the weeds. It’s like they heard about the party and decided to crash it. Jules admits he’s been a bit behind on weeding—life tends to throw curveballs, and sometimes those pesky weeds are the last thing on my mind.

But fear not! A good garden is always a work in progress. With some determination, we’re ready to tackle those weeds and ensure our ice plants have the spotlight they deserve.

Nani’s Contribution to the Farm

Nani’s visit was about more than just planting; it was about family, laughter, and a shared love for the land. Her spirited approach to gardening, even in slippers, is a reminder that passion often outweighs practicality. It’s not just about the end result, but the journey we take to get there.

Thanks to her hard work, our coconut wall not only serves as an erosion control solution but also as a canvas of color that brings joy to everyone who visits. The ice plants are doing their job, and so is Nani, in her own unique way.

Nani admiring the ice plants she planted

What’s Next?

We’re already looking forward to her next trip, we’ve already added several other types of plants to our coconut mat wall and can’t wait to share it with her and you.

In the meantime, we’ll be sure to keep those weeds in check. After all, we can’t have uninvited guests stealing the show from our beautiful ice plants!

Nani's thriving ice plants, with weeds in the background

How to Propagate and Care for Ice Plants

If you’re inspired by Nani’s success and want to add some ice plants to your own garden, here’s a quick guide on how to propagate and care for them:

  • Propagation: Ice plants can be easily propagated by cuttings. Simply take a healthy stem and allow it to callous over for a few days before placing it in well-draining soil.
  • Watering: These succulents thrive in dry conditions. Water them sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
  • Sunlight: Ice plants love the sun! Place them in a location where they can receive full sunlight for several hours a day.
  • Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix to prevent root rot. A cactus mix works wonders!

With a little love and care, you can enjoy the colorful blooms and the erosion control benefits that ice plants provide, just like Nani did at our Mulholland estate.

Happy Farming!

Priti and Jules

 Our Favorites From This Video

Erosion Control Coconut Blanket: https://amzn.to/3YhRtwS

6 Inch Nursery Pot: https://amzn.to/3NkMPaX

Instagram: MulhollandEstate

Get a piece of this iconic location with Jade plants from our mountain on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MulhollandEstateJade

#hollywoodhills #sustainablefarming #mulhollanddrive #losangeles #erosioncontrol

As an Amazon Affiliate, We earn a commission if you click on links and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.