Ground Coverings, Friend or Foe?

Ground coverings, a gardener’s favorite friend, but also their worst enemy when it begins to eradicate other plants. Today, I want to share with you some information about ground coverings and how to deal with them!

First, a definition: Ground coverings are plants that spread over time. You can dig them up, and they keep coming back in the spring. The true beauty of ground coverings is finding something that will suppress weeds and grow at a steady rate that is easy to keep up with, creating a beautiful greenery cover for your garden.

To find a ground cover that will work for you, start with a little research. The different heat, humidity, and soil that these plants grow in can either cause the cover to eradicate every plant in your garden, or it will create the perfect base for your space. There is no hard and fast trick when determining what plant is the best for you and the look you want.

One of the ground coverings that does well for me here in the south (Zone 8a) is Mazus (Mazus reptans). It is only of my absolute favorites and is also deer-resistant! It grows well in zones 5 to 8 and is semi-evergreen. Another option is St. John’s Wort (Hypericum calycinum). It is a great cover that brings bright yellow blooms to the yard. Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis) is another evergreen option that will spread and spread. If you are looking for something that will climb, English Ivy (Hedera helix) is a fabulous choice for a cover on fences and up walls. The ivy will need a shadier spot than the other two covers. If you are looking for a sun-loving beauty, another one of my absolute favorites is Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides). Not only is it beautiful to look at, it also has a lovely fragrance!

If you plan to plant a ground cover, do so with the knowledge that it does spread and it is something you will have to maintain. If you decide to eventually get rid of your ground cover, be aware that eradicating it can be nearly impossible. A few years ago, I planted some volunteer flowers that till this day continue to pop up in our beds. It just takes a little love and care to prune back these plants, and then add what you want in your beds for the new season.

In the end, ground covers can be good or bad, depending on the gardener and how much effort he/she wants to put into the garden.

I hope this helps you to make the best ground cover decision for your garden or yard! If you have any questions, feel free to DM me!