Groundcover

No garden is complete without a groundcover or two. Mine has several more than two! Groundcovers fall into many, many categories. There are traditional groundcovers, some bloom, some don't, some are tall, some are small, some are self-seeding, some spread by root, some spread by root and self-seed, many are invasive and must be contained. And then there are all the plants that are not actually groundcovers but can easily be used as such.

Groundcover can be used to line a fence, wall or path. They can be used to drape down a wall or cascade out a plant pot. They can fill in bare spots or completely take over your garden. I have been thinking a lot about groundcover lately, as I try to contain some of the more invasive ones in my garden and look to divide others. What I have found is that it is always a good idea to think before planting with groundcovers. Although the slow spreading types can be played with, moved around and highlighted in the garden, the invasive types are almost impossible to get rid of once they take hold. One of the big benefits is that all groundcover are very good at keeping weeds at bay.

Consider adding a few groundcovers to your garden! Stay tuned for our plant profile posts featuring groundcovers!

This article adapted from that originally published in Let's Get Growing!July 2013. If you would like to subscribe to our newsletter, sign up here!