Ground Covers - The Best Plants to Grow in your Garden
Ground cover plants are an essential part of any garden landscape. These hard-working plants can fill in bare areas, suppress weeds, and provide a seamless transition between other garden features. Here are some of the best options to consider:
- Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum): This aromatic plant forms a dense mat of tiny, fragrant leaves and purple flowers. It’s ideal for rock gardens and can tolerate light foot traffic.
- Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum): This shade-loving plant produces delicate white flowers and emits a sweet, fresh scent when its leaves are crushed.
- Ajuga (Ajuga reptans): Known for its attractive foliage and blue flowers, Ajuga spreads quickly, making it a good choice for large areas.
- Sedum (Sedum spp.): Sedums come in many varieties and are known for their resistance to drought and poor soil. Sedum “Angelina” has brilliant yellow-green foliage that turns orange in the fall.
- Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis): Known for its fragrant, bell-shaped white flowers, this plant spreads readily in shady locations.
- Ivy (Hedera spp.): A traditional choice for ground cover, ivy is hardy and adaptable. However, it can be invasive, so keep it under control.
- Hostas: While typically used for their foliage in shady areas, hostas can also make an excellent dense ground cover when planted en masse.
- Vinca (Vinca minor): This evergreen plant produces purple flowers and thrives in both sun and shade.
Remember, the best ground cover plants for your garden will depend on your specific conditions, including sunlight, soil type, and climate zone.
