Groundcovers are plants that are low-growing, spread easily and help to keep weeds from growing in your garden. They come in all shapes and sizes, and work hard when it comes to helping you manage landscaping problems. Here are some great reasons for using ground covers, and some of the best choices for gardens in the Canton area.
Three Reasons for Adding Groundcovers:
- Erosion Control – Ground covers provide excellent erosion control, using their root systems to create a barrier against heavy rainfall. Planting ground covers in combination with adding a retaining wall can help take the slip out of a slippery slope, providing interest as well as keeping your soil from washing away.
- Cover a Hilly Area – If you have a vast canvas that you want to cover, ground covers are particularly useful and work better than larger plants or trees that could topple easily.
- Drought-Tolerant – One of the best things about ground covers is that many varieties are drought-tolerant, needing less water than other plants.
Need some advice on which groundcovers to choose? Here are three of the most popular choices:
- Hens-and-Chicks – Funny name, easy care. These plants are excellent choices on paver patios and walkways, and easily tolerate extremely dry conditions. They grow well in containers but can also be spotted in rooftop gardens and xeriscape gardens, or gardens that don’t require supplemental water from irrigation.
- Mondo Grass – Contrary to the name, Mondo Grass is a plant that grows well in full to partial sun in rich, moist soil. Also known as monkey grass, it works in gardens used for edging, particularly borders, sidewalks and around driveways.
- Lamb’s Ear – We mentioned Lamb’s Ear recently in a post about plants for kids. This perennial is a top choice for areas that receive lots of sun,and it benefits any garden as it deters deer but attracts birds with its clusters of flowers in blue, pink red or white.
If you’re looking at groundcovers as a way to help solve some of your landscaping conundrums, visit Whispering Springs Nursery so we can help you select the best groundcovers for your landscape.
Photo via Flickr.
