retaining plant. Does it exist?

[Calamber]

Here are a bunch of great ones. Gotta love Pinterest!

http://www.diynetwork.com/outdoors/tired-of-mowing-try-these-plants-and-groundcovers-instead/pictures/index.html?affiliate=blocker&omnisource=SEM&c1=RSS_Outbrain&c2=Outbrain&c3=RSS&c4=Tired-of-Mowing-Try-These-Plants-and-Gro

[Guin]

Crabgrass!

[Calamber]

I love the snow in summer plant.

[onelanerode]

Have a look at Plant Delights’ website. They have a huge selection, particularly native plants, and while prices are higher, the plants are healthy and the service provided is fantastic.

This phlox might be an option for you: http://www.plantdelights.com/Phlox-subulata-var-brittonii-A2VA-099c-for-sale/

Also, Homestead Purple verbena might work. It is very low maintenance, has beautiful clusters of purple flowers, spreads well but not like crazy and is quite hardy. I’m a bit north of you, in northern Orange County, and the verbena I planted last spring in my perennial bed made it through our winter just fine and is about a week or two from blooming.

Another option is creeping Veronica (speedwell); I have Waterperry Blue but there are other varieties.

Both verbena and creeping Veronica will root when their branches are in firm contact with the soil. I check mine every spring and generally get a number of little shoots that have struck because I covered them in too much mulch in the fall.