By definition, a ground cover is any low-growing, perennial plant that covers open soil and replaces either weeds or turf.
A carefully selected perennial ground cover is an often overlooked, underappreciated landscape feature.
Benefits
Groundcover plants can be an extremely valuable component of your landscape. Once established they serve as low maintenance, living weed barrier. They are often evergreen and therefore visible year-round. They can also provide some much-needed color to your overall landscape as many groundcover options also flower. Regardless of climate, soil type, sun exposure, or slope, there is a plant to fit your site conditions.
Selecting the Right Plant
Like any other plant installation, choosing the correct type for your property is the key to success. The first step is to identify the purpose you want them to serve whether it be erosion control, weed suppression, or even just aesthetic appeal. The next step is to make a responsible plant choice, as many of the most popular groundcovers are considered to be invasive species and will negatively impact the surrounding ecosystem.
Planting Ground Cover Plants
Though groundcover plants won’t require much maintenance once established, they will require watering and care after planting. A professional landscape designer will help you select the type of plant (or plants) that best fit your needs and site. It is important that the correct spacing and quantity of plants be determined so that your ground cover will fill in before weeds have a chance to take over. Lastly, the timing of the project is also crucial to a successful installation and a landscape designer will ensure that all the components of the job come together seamlessly for a lush, beautiful result.
