by Jean C. Fisher

Created on: May 21, 2009

A GROUNDCOVER "PRIMER"

Are those stepping stones in the side yard looking a little bare? How about that spot under the pine tree or that west-facing slope behind the house where nothing ever seems to grow?

If you've spent a small fortune in lawn seed and fertilizer and your yard still looks like you're farming dirt, groundcover might just be the answer to your problems. Groundcovers come in all types, all heights and for all types of soil. First, though, you'll need to determine the parameters of the environment of your particular application.

Here's a little groundcover primer, for those who don't know their groundcovers from their bedcovers - just to get you started:

First:
Consider the temperature zones where you live and determine which groundcovers can survive your coldest winter temperatures. The good news is that most nurseries only stock plants with proven local track records.

Second:
Determine if the spot where you wish to plant your groundcover is sunny or shady. In general, a shady spot is considered to be one that gets shade for a good part of the day and absolutely no hot, afternoon sun. (This usually means no western exposure.) Most plants will thrive in "partial shade" but, generally, only those that are real "sun lovers" can take hot, direct, afternoon sun.

Third:
How tall or short do you need your groundcover to be? Will it be a border for other plants? If so, you'll want one that doesn't grow too tall, so, for this type of application, short, upright types are best.

Fourth:
Do you need the groundcover to support light-to-medium foot-traffic (such as in-between stepping stones)? If so, you'll want one that grows close to the ground in a dense "mat".

Fifth:
Is the spot you want to cover on a slope or flat ground? If you'll be planting on a slope, a "trailing" type will spill nicely down the hill.

Sixth:
Do you plan to water often or do you need more drought-tolerant plants? Does the soil where you live have decent "drainage" (sand or loam) or does the water tend to puddle (clay)? And are there any special conditions such as being located beneath high-acid trees like pine or fir?

If you've determined the spot you've chosen to install your new ground cover is sunny most of the day, here's a list of sun-loving groundcovers that you might want to consider:

Taller sun-loving groundcovers (approx. 6-in to 2 ft.):

Gazania - Brightly colored daisy-like flowers often with contrasting colors. Extremely drought-tolerant.

Baccharus - Dwarf shrub

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