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Ground Covers - Inspiring Garden Ideas for all Gardeners

Groundcovers are low-growing plants that form a dense, carpet-like layer over the soil surface. They are an essential element in many garden designs, offering numerous benefits such as erosion control, weed suppression, and aesthetic appeal. Groundcovers can be used in various landscape situations, including slopes, borders, walkways, or under trees and shrubs. Here are some key characteristics and popular groundcover options to consider when selecting these versatile plants for your garden:

  • Erosion control: Groundcovers with extensive root systems, such as creeping thyme (Thymus spp.) or sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum), can help stabilize soil on slopes or banks, preventing erosion and runoff.
  • Weed suppression: Dense groundcovers, like sedum (Sedum spp.) or ajuga (Ajuga spp.), create a living mulch that can suppress weed growth, reducing the need for chemical herbicides or labor-intensive weeding.
  • Shade tolerance: Some groundcovers thrive in shady conditions, making them ideal for planting under trees or in other low-light areas. Examples include pachysandra (Pachysandra spp.), ivy (Hedera spp.), and Japanese spurge (Pachysandra terminalis).
  • Drought tolerance: Drought-tolerant groundcovers, such as ice plant (Delosperma spp.) or creeping phlox (Phlox subulata), can conserve water and withstand dry conditions, making them suitable for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
  • Aesthetic appeal: Groundcovers offer a variety of colors, textures, and forms, creating visual interest and contrast in the landscape. For example, lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina) has soft, silvery-gray foliage, while blue star creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis) features delicate, star-shaped flowers.
  • Foot traffic tolerance: Some groundcovers can withstand light foot traffic, making them suitable for use between stepping stones or as a lawn alternative. Examples include creeping thyme (Thymus spp.) and Corsican mint (Mentha requienii).

By carefully selecting groundcovers that meet your specific needs and site conditions, you can create a low-maintenance, visually appealing, and ecologically beneficial addition to your landscape.

Geranium, Cranebill, Groundcover, Ground cover
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