Groundcovers are an attractive way to cover difficult areas such as under trees or steep slopes. They can also reduce the need for expensive mulch.
Groundcovers can be a terrific asset to your garden to help keep weeds down and reduce the need for expensive mulch each year. Unfortunately there is a fine line between having a good groundcover and something that goes out of control and becomes invasive. Perhaps even more frustrating is that a groundcover will work very well in one place, but in another location it becomes a problem.
Where to Use Groundcovers:
- Difficult to Weed Areas: Groundcovers are terrific in areas that you don’t have time to weed frequently such as a slope towards the road, or a large area at the side of the house. A good groundcover will behave in a similar way to mulch in as much as it will keep weeds from taking root and it will reduce the need for water. Reducing the need for water does not equate though to retaining moisture in the soil – a four-inch layer of hardwood mulch will do this much better than most groundcovers.
- Areas Where Grass Will Not Grow: Grass needs good sunlight to grow well and a common problem area is under a tree where sunlight is at a premium. There is competition for soil from tree roots, which makes growing even shade perennials difficult. A good groundcover will creep into the area and put down roots in places where a trowel will not go. A second common area for ground covers is under the deck. This is another low light area that seems to be invaded by weeds but where growing plants is problematic. Once established the groundcover will not require frequent watering and will give some color to the area.
- For Perennials Beds: Groundcovers are perennials and fit perfectly well into a perennial bed. The ground cover should not be too aggressive here though. Small areas of suitable a suitable groundcover can add a layer of color to the bed.
- Over Walls: Walls that are used as a way to retain a steep slope, or as part of the gradient in your landscape, can look large and boring. Adding groundcover material to the top of the wall will soften the effect. Some walls also have chinks or spaces where plants can also be placed. Patches of color cascading down the wall will always brighten the overall visual experience.
Planting Groundcovers.
Groundcovers can be planted just like other perennials. To cover a slope or specific area, measure the length and calculate how many plants you will need. Note how far apart you should plant the groundcover, and place the plants the appropriate distance apart measuring from the center of each plant to the center of the next. It will only take a few years for the gaps between the plants to fill in. Plant bulbs among the groundcovers so that they can grow up through the carpet and give you an attractive spring scene.
Preventing Groundcovers becoming Invasive.
Some groundcovers can be more problematic than others, so pick your plant carefully. Look for ones that only spread by root, not by seed. You want to be the one to decide where the plant grows not the plant itself. Keep a check on the groundcover each year and make sure that you weed out any areas that are getting too large and encroaching on other plants or areas. Aggressive groundcovers can grow over deciduous perennials and shrubs and kill them, so checking these groundcovers regularly is important.
Groundcovers, when used correctly and chosen wisely can be an attractive part of your landscape. There are groundcovers for all growing conditions, so you are bound to be able to find one to try in your garden.
