Why Grow Groundcovers?

Other problems? Cats dig holes around precious plants and weeds spring up almost overnight.

Judicious use of groundcovers will go long way to preventing all such problems. Not only will they keep the roots of other plants cool, but they’ll stop dry topsoil from blowing away. Added to this, many groundcovers actually enrich the soil, thus enhancing the growth of other plants in the same bed. Groundcovers form a thick mulch of their own that protects the soil and helps to conserve water.

A Tiered Garden will Benefit from Groundcovers

Three tiers can be created in the garden. The top tier is formed with tall plants like roses or dahlias; a middle tier would be mid-height plants of either annuals or perennials while the bottom tier is created by groundcovers. Groundcovers that like part shade should be chosen in a tiered garden because the roses will create dappled shade in the summer, while the second tier plants will add to it.

Some low-growing annuals like Phlox subulata v Betty, makes a vivid carpet amongst other plants. This one likes moisture and plenty of sun, so needs a rather more open position. Annuals like this are not the best plants to choose when you are trying to save water, but with care, they can still be grown. Using mulch to conserve moisture will help.

Many plants that are suitable for rock gardens can be used as groundcovers if the situation suits their tastes. A rather neat-growing little plant is the Viola gracilis that flowers profusely over a long period. It only grows 4 to 6 in. tall and likes a cool situation so would be ideal under that top tier. Violets also form a good groundcover, though they may take over if the position is truly damp.

Forget-me-nots are good for shady positions and while not a true groundcover, if planted thickly they will form a dense cover over the ground. The type of groundcover used will depend largely on how big the garden is and what else is growing there. Some groundcovers are big and bulky at full growth, so planting them under the likes of roses would not be a good idea.

Dry and Sunny Positions Need Groundcovers

Some gardens positions are particularly dry and sunny. These may be on a west-facing bank, the top of a slope or anywhere that is prone to drying winds.

An ideal plant for these harsher conditions is the Gazania. Gazanias create a fairly dense mass when established so can be used as a groundcover or on their own in any dry and sunny location. They flower well all through dry hot summers; the hotter and dryer the weather, the better they like it.

Another good groundcover is the foliage plant, Euonymus radicans variegate. Equally happy in the sun or shade it thrives in any kind of soil that is not boggy.

Groundcovers Can be Used as Lawn Substitutes

Cotulas are easy to grow and creep over any kind of soil in the sun or shade. Their fern-like foliage is most attractive and comes in a variety of colors, depending on the variety. Lippia nodiflora is especially good for dry areas, withstanding traffic well and even producing small white flowers. Replacing the lawn with a groundcover such as this will certainly save mowing. Canberra Grass, Scleranthus biflorus, forms small tufts of bright green cushions and suits either sun or shade.

Ivy can be used as a groundcover if it is left to scramble along the ground. It is ideal for dense shade under trees where it may be difficult to get other plants or lawn to grow.

There are many different types of gardens of course, but no matter what gardening situation is under review, there will be a groundcover to suit.