Plant to shade CDT burrow

[thatrebecca]

I have some time off next week, which I'm looking forward to using for a tortoise home improvement project. I'd like to plant something to shade my torts' underground burrow, which gets a lot of sun. We've tried a couple things which haven't worked -- California Poppies on the roof, which the torts ate when they sprouted, and a mallow bush beside it, which isn't thriving (you can see it as the white plant next to the burrow in the photo). So... What should I plant here? I'd like it not to need much water -- I've noticed when we water a lot it gets damp in the enclosure and the torts start yawning. Ideally the torts would be safe to eat what we plant, but not inclined or able to devour it.

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Oh and here's one other larger photo of the enclosure, to give you a sense of the plants that have done well in there (some grasses and monkeyflower)

 

[kanalomele]

I use lots of succulents in my enclosures. Apentia is a fast growing grou d cover that is lovely and well tolerated by the torts and does not need lots of water. It will form a thick mat rather than be bushy however so keep that in mind.

 

[ascott]

If you are looking for a method to provide shade without having to soak the area to keep the shade alive.....you could simply cut to size a piece of trellis;

http://www.homedepot.com/p/72-in-Redwood-Framed-Diamond-Trellis-62413/202303475#.UcvRuT5ESaM

and then modify it with screening/mesh ----like, piece of trellis then mesh then another piece of trellis...then you can plant in some posts to attach the piece to right over the hide....

mesh example ;

http://www.homedepot.com/p/ShelterL...reen-Shade-Cloth-25712/203477256#.UcvSfD5ESaM

 

[thatrebecca]

If you are looking for a method to provide shade without having to soak the area to keep the shade alive.....you could simply cut to size a piece of trellis;

http://www.homedepot.com/p/72-in-Redwood-Framed-Diamond-Trellis-62413/202303475#.UcvRuT5ESaM

and then modify it with screening/mesh ----like, piece of trellis then mesh then another piece of trellis...then you can plant in some posts to attach the piece to right over the hide....

mesh example ;

http://www.homedepot.com/p/ShelterL...reen-Shade-Cloth-25712/203477256#.UcvSfD5ESaM

Neat idea. Thanks! it's looking like a hot one in store this weekend. Gotta keep my babies comfy.