A good groundcover can be a landscaper’s best friend, but despite being a relatively simple family of plants, there can still be some confusion and misunderstanding. that seems like a good moment to take a look at the pros and cons of groundcovers and how and when to use them.

At its most basic, a groundcover is a plant that spreads out horizontally, rather that sprouting up vertically like most other plants.

As for the pros and cons, the benefits definitely outnumber the disadvantages. The main “con� to be aware of is that positive groundcovers can spread out further than you intended. Before planting any groundcover, check into its invasive tendencies, whether any, and be prepared to corral the area with a sturdy barrier such as lawn edging that you can find at most garden centers.

Now to the benefits of planting groundcovers.

Groundcover plants supply a thick, appealing mat of foliage that suppresses the growth of weeds. that is a major advantage whether you dislike weeding!

For the most part, groundcovers are the low-maintenance heroes of the garden world. You can nearly set ‘em and forget ‘em. nearly.

Hilly or sloping areas can be difficult or dangerous to mow. Replacing sod with an alternative groundcover in these areas provides a safe and appealing solution.

Regular lawn grass around the base of trees can be patchy due to the shade, but a shade-loving groundcover such as Pachysandra terminalis can be an excellent alternative.

If soil erosion or moisture control are problems, a suitable groundcover could be your reply. As you can see, groundcovers can solve a lot of landscape problems.

When choosing the right groundcover for the site, you need to consider hardiness, size, growth rate, sun, shade, soil requirements, blooming instance, and perhaps fall color. Be aware of the conditions of your land and choose plants that meet those conditions and are best suited for any specific situations, such as hillside soil erosion. You are welcome to send me your specific groundcover questions and I’ll send you a personal response. My e-mail address is steve@landsteward.org

Now for a brief look at a few groundcovers you might

Pink Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)
Ideal for banks, slopes and difficult-to-mow hilly areas, it plus looks good in rock gardens and atop retaining walls. Look for other varieties such as Emerald Blue or sweet Stripe.

Pachysandra terminalis
Just approximately the only plant that will grow successfully under pine trees or other spreading trees, against deeply shaded walls and in enclosed patios. It’s a low, dense, compact beauty that eliminates the need to mow around, and possibly damage, exposed tree roots.

Trailing Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
An excellent choice whether you want a very low, trailing groundcover that does well in full sun, shaded or semi-shaded areas, particularly in rich, moist, evenly-drained soil. The dark green, oval-shaped foliage is a delightful background for the bright blue flowers that seem in early spring.

Elfin Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
This one is ideal for planting within bricks or paving stones. As an added advantage, it is highly fragrant, providing the delightful scent of fresh thyme as well as tiny lavender flowers in the summer.

Purple Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei)
If controlling erosion on a slope is a concern, that one is worth considering. It’s a dense, woody, broadleaf evergreen that grows from 6� to 9� tall and can spread indefinitely by rooting stems. It can plus be trained into a climbing plant for covering walls or chimneys.

Planting groundcovers is not particularly complex. Generally, you will need to rid the soil of all weeds and debris, till the soil soon after mix in some biological matter such as compost or manure. normally, you will plant groundcovers approximately a foot apart and soon after water regular for the first year until established. Be certain to follow specific planting directions, however, as the needs of different plants will differ.

The Plant Man is here to help. Send your questions approximately trees, shrubs and landscaping to steve@landsteward.org and for resources and additional data, or to subscribe to Steve’s free e-mailed newsletter, visit www.landsteward.org

Original post by Greenwood Nursery

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