Ground Covers

Ground Cover Highlights

Four types of groundcover:

• Herbaceous plants (non-woody plants)
• Sub-shrubs (low-growing, spreading shrubs)
• Vines
• Moss

 

TIPS

Be a good “steward of the earth”. Do not plant invasive plants that can overgrow their boundaries and become a problem plant in your neighbors’ yards or especially in a native environment. Click here for a list of noxious weeds. Many of the weeds have photo links.
 
Ground cover success is dependent on: 

1. Correct plant choices for the area
2. Soil preparation when you plant
3. Maintenance until the plant is established
4. Possible fall trimming and/or grooming (depending on what kind of plant you choose)

Ground cover is typically used where it is not practical to grow a lawn, for instance on a slope, in rocky or shady areas. They also can be used to unify an area landscaped in shrubs and/or trees.
 
A ground cover planting is essentially “living mulch”, suppressing weeds, softening surfaces and conserving the necessary moisture in the soil. The roots of these plants are helpful with erosion control on rockeries and hillsides. Working with ground covers offers endless choices and possibilities for your garden design. Let us help you sort out the best solution for you.
 
Here are some things to consider:
 

• Evergreen/deciduous/herbaceous
• Foliage color/texture
• Bloom/no bloom
• Container/planter
• Foot traffic
• Height/spread

Some of our favorite ground covers:

Ground Covers Photo Gallery

Photographs courtesy of T&L Nursery