planting ground cover in the roadside ditch?

[jcsago]

The ditch will fill with water for a day of so during heavy rains. I live in central Illinois and would like to plant something to keep from mowing the ditch.

 

[remnant]

I suppose you should plant runners from the pumpkin family. These are likely to grow fast and spread their roots both vertically and laterally. They can do well with vines like sweet potato vines which would form a good carpet inside the ditch. All in the name of productivity.

 

[mgmine]

Myrtle is a ground cover that will grow just about anywhere.