I have been told that Alabama weather in March and April can be fairly erratic. Based on the season’s temperature fluctuations and the fact I felt it necessary to build an ark, I think fairly erratic is an understatement.

There have been days when I was performing a balancing act on the edge of the sidewalk because there was what can only be described as a small stream running in front of my mailbox. Although inconvenient, it was not doing any harm. There was very little debris being carried to the drain so there was no threat of it getting clogged.

Excessive rain that falls onto small or large hills, on the other hand, does cause a problem — erosion.

Erosion is the wearing away of the earth’s surface by natural forces, such as water, wind or glacial ice. I think it’s fair to say we are safe from glacial ice being a factor, but water and wind erosion can cause problems for farmers as well as the backyard gardener and homeowner.

Repeated erosion carries off nutrient-rich topsoil, which is essential for plant growth. It also will cause roots to be exposed, and reduces the soil’s ability to store water. Constant or substantial rains can carry off seed, wash away fertilizers and pesticides, and uproot young seedlings that haven’t yet developed a strong root system.

There are also environmental effects, as pesticides and fertilizers can pollute nearby waterways. Runoff from downspouts or hills toward structures can lead to foundation problems. Plants are a wonderful way of stabilizing soil.

When selecting plants to help control soil erosion, consider using native plants. These plants are already well adapted to an area’s environment.

Planting perennials that will come back year after year is a frugal option for long-term results. Avoid invasive plants. Kudzu was originally brought here masked as an ornamental that could help with soil control, and we all know how that worked out.

For grasses, nothing beats tall fescue. It is the most widely-used species in north Alabama for erosion control. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and is fairly easy to establish.

Northern sea oats provide several seasons of interest, producing seed heads that resemble wheat heads persisting for three seasons. The dark green foliage turns a rich bronze in fall. It grows equally well in both sun and shade. Adding to the plant’s ornamental value, its extensive root system makes it an effective choice to control soil erosion.

Shrubs, such as apache plume, are used for both water and wind erosion control. Apace plume produces single white flowers and fluffy pink seed heads that last through fall. Creeping juniper is a low growing, low maintenance evergreen shrub that will provide year-round greenery. If you prefer a blue hue, take a look at blue rug juniper.

If you’re looking to add a little height, and something for a shaded area, try interrupted fern. The rhizomes that allow the plant to spread are excellent to reduce soil erosion. Rockspray cotoneaster is another plant that reaches about 3 feet and puts out big strong roots to help stabilize soil. It’s an eye-catcher with bright red berries and wonderful fall foliage.

Ground covers, as their name suggests, blanket an area. Creeping myrtle is drought-tolerant and evergreen, putting forth flowers in hues of blue, purple and pink. The brightly-colored flowers of creeping phlox, when planted in masse, is a visual thriller. They require little care but cutting the plant back after flowering can promote a second bloom. Phlox can get woody, so cutting back the plant in late winter will help it produce new young stems.

Trees, shrubs, grasses and ground covers planted together will provide a beautiful and effective solution to soil erosion issues. Until next week, happy gardening.

— Irland, a member of the Limestone County Master Gardeners, can be reached at kippirland@hotmail.com. For more information on the Limestone County Master Gardeners, visit http://mg.aces.edu/limestone.