Groundcovers

Okay, we’re going to sound kind of smart-alecky here, but a groundcover is any plant that does a great job of covering the bare earth. Groundcovers excel at preventing topsoil from washing away and prevent weeds and other unwanted vegetation from taking root. Some groundcovers hug the ground, while others grow upward. Most do a terrific job of reproducing and filling in a given space over time. However, mulch may be required during the “early years” to prevent weeds while the groundcover thickens.

Care

Groundcovers can be relatively care-free. Again, loose soil is helpful. Certain varieties need sun (because they flower) while others do just fine in the shade. (Ask us for recommendations.) Water requirements are lessened because the groundcover plant keeps its own roots shaded. A groundcover can be a shrub, plant, moss, ornamental grass, even a vine.

10 Popular Groundcovers

• Hens-and-Chicks
• Sweet Woodruff
• Periwinkle
• Spider Plant
• Pachysandra
• Juniper
• Ivy
• Mint
• Alfalfa
• Lambs-Ears