by Ray Fauteux

Created on: May 22, 2009   Last Updated: June 07, 2009

The main advantage of using ground cover for landscaping is the low maintenance involved. Most ground covers will require a little work in the first year they are planted, but when established they require a minimum of upkeep. If plant ground covers are used in place of grass, it will eliminate the need for mowing or cutting as they tend to stay quite short. Excellent choices for ground cover plants are those that have the texture, density, and ability to spread quickly. Plants with these traits tend to choke out weed growth.

As a rule, most ground covers are perennials or evergreens, however annuals can be used as well but are fairly high maintenance and will require a bit of extra work in the Spring. Another advantage of using ground cover for landscaping is their ability to act as a mulch and as a result, serve to enrich the soil. It's important to install edge barriers as ground cover plants will continue to spread into neighboring areas if they are not contained. Two possibilities that are normally sufficient are brick or wood edgings that are cut a few inches into the soil.

Some choices for ground cover are Ajuga, English Ivy, Blue Rug Juniper, and Moss. If desired, there are even ground covers that are edible.

Ajuga spreads quickly and is actually quite invasive, but it's actually this tendency that makes Ajuga a viable choice for many people. It's an extremely tough plant and will completely fill in an area very quickly. They also produce a very attractive flower and some varieties are actually coveted for the dark coloring of their leaves.

For a more traditional ground cover, some gardeners prefer English Ivy. The English Ivy ground cover has always been quite popular in Europe, but the invasive tendencies of Ivy and the difficulty encountered when trying to control it's growth has resulted in this particular ground cover falling out of favor in some parts of the world, especially North America.

For sunnier slopes, The Blue Rug Juniper and other sturdy members of the evergreen Juniper family are ideal ground covers . Juniper is especially useful in preventing erosion and helps prevent weed growth. Better still, it eliminates the need to have to mow those steeper slopes.

If there is a spot where grass just refuses to grow because of excessive shade, then moss is the perfect ground cover replacement. It makes perfect sense because even in forest settings, moss thrives in areas that are damp and in perpetual shade.

It's even possible to have ground cover that's a source of nutrition. Strawberries are perfect for those shady area and will provide nutritious, tasty fruit for most of the Summer months. The strawberry plant is an excellent choice for areas where the soil is not exceptionally rich and fertile. There are also several varieties of low-growing herbs that work well in smaller, limited growing areas. Two favorites used by many gardeners are thyme and oregano.

Regardless of what ground cover is utilized, it's an ideal method of replacing labor intensive grass, covering shady spots, and preventing the excessive growth of weeds.

Learn more about this author, Ray Fauteux.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.