Twelve dozen garden ornaments, both attractive and useful, that hinder unwanted flora growth, enriching the aesthetics of your outdoor space.
Transforming Your Garden with Lush Ground Covers
From vibrant blooms to lush green foliage, ground covers play an essential role in gardening, offering a practical and visually appealing solution for weed suppression and creating stunning landscapes.
Garden enthusiasts have an array of ground cover options tailored for various conditions and needs, including sun-loving, shade-tolerant, flowering, and low-maintenance varieties.
For sun-drenched spaces, creeping thyme stands out for its aromatic qualities, quick spreading ability, and drought tolerance. Its tiny purple flowers attract bees and butterflies, making it an excellent alternative to traditional grass lawns in dry climates[1].
Chamomile (German or Roman) is another sun-loving ground cover that thrives in drought-prone areas. Not only is it highly adaptable, but its delicate white flowers and calming scent lend a tranquil ambiance to any garden, and the herb can also be used for tea-making[1].
Creeping Phlox adds a splash of color in the spring with its cluster of colorful blooms and spreads easily to cover large areas, making it ideal for sunny locations[2].
Meanwhile, for shadier retreats, pachysandra is an evergreen ground cover that thrives in the dappled sunlight, requiring minimal care and virtually no mowing. Ajuga, or bugleweed, is another shade-tolerant option with striking foliage and purple flowers[2].
Periwinkle is a resilient, evergreen ground cover that excels in both sun and shade, with charming blue or purple flowers. It adapts well to various soil conditions and effectively suppresses weeds[2].
For gardeners seeking flowering options, creeping phlox and ajuga are popular choices due to their striking spring blooms. Blue Star Creeper, with its tiny star-shaped blue or purple flowers, adds charm to spaces between stepping stones and is durable enough to endure some foot traffic[2].
Phlox stolonifera offers tall clusters of fragrant pink or violet blooms in late summer and prefers wooded areas[2]. Sweet Woodruff, featuring small white flowers, thrives in deep shade and damp soil, making it an excellent choice for moisture-rich shaded areas[3].
For those seeking low-maintenance options, pachysandra and ajuga are quick growers that require minimal maintenance aside from occasional thinning[3].
To create visually appealing gardens, gardeners can consider combining various ground cover plants to harmonize with other foliage and flowers. By incorporating resilient and adaptable ground covers, gardeners can create a thriving, low-maintenance landscape that delights the senses and enhances the beauty of their outdoor spaces.
[1] Clemson University Extension: Groundcover plants[2] Monrovia: 15 favorite groundcover plants[3] The Old Farmer's Almanac: 23 groundcover plants for low maintenance landscapes[4] Missouri Botanical Garden: The Best Shade Groundcovers[5] Fine Gardening: June 2021 Groundcovers: Sweet Woodruff
By integrating these ground cover suggestions, gardeners can create a prosperous, hardy, and low-maintenance garden that thrives for years to come.
Incorporating ground covers such as creeping thyme, chamomile, creeping phlox, and periwinkle into your home-and-garden can offer practical solutions for weed suppression while transforming your lifestyle and living spaces with their aesthetic appeal. For those seeking low-maintenance options, pachysandra and ajuga are adaptable, quick-growing ground covers that require minimal effort.
