Groundcovers

Groundcovers are low-growing plants that spread horizontally to cover the soil, forming a continuous vegetation layer rather than a tall feature. They are used to suppress weeds, stabilize soil on slopes, reduce erosion, and lessen maintenance by replacing bare ground or short turf in difficult areas.

Groundcovers range from evergreen to deciduous and from slow to rapid spreaders. They may multiply by stolons or by rhizomes. Site suitability depends on sun, moisture, drainage, and soil fertility. With appropriate conditions, they provide year-round texture, color, and habitat value while requiring less frequent mowing than traditional lawns.

Common choices include creeping thyme, ajuga, sedums, vinca minor, pachysandra, and mondo grass. Native options are often preferred for supporting local ecosystems, though availability varies by region. Some groundcovers can be aggressive and may escape cultivation, so local guidelines and neighbor considerations should be evaluated.

Establishment involves preparing the soil, spacing plants, and providing regular moisture until groundcovers are established. Propagation methods include division, layering, or cuttings. Maintenance may include occasional thinning, pruning to control height, and replacement of plants that fail to spread as intended.

Groundcovers are valuable for erosion control, weed suppression, and visual continuity under trees and along paths. They can reduce mowing and garden inputs, but some varieties spread aggressively and require ongoing maintenance. Selection should reflect climate, site conditions, and maintenance capacity.