by Pat Merewether

Created on: May 26, 2009   Last Updated: May 27, 2009

Ground covers are low-growing, compact plants that are excellent for filling in bare areas of our gardens and prevent soil erosion. Vinca, sedum, and ivy are the more common of ground cover, but there are alternatives if you'd like something a little practical or unique.

Herbs:

A wide variety of herbs can also be used as ground cover. Thyme is an excellent choice for full sun and light or sandy soil. It comes in a number of varieties, including woolly thyme that is extremely short and has a rather fuzzy or "woolly" appearance. Lemon thyme has tiny variegated leaves and has a distinctive lemony scent. Thyme grows best in full sun and is hardy in zones 5-9 and grows to 6" to 12" tall. It likes to have its roots cool and its leaves in full sun, so it's perfect for rock gardens or planting under the bottom step of your deck or porch. It is also excellent for flavoring and adding nutrients to soups, stews and dressings. You can start seeds indoors six-weeks before planting season or plant small plants directly about 12" apart.

Oregano is a perennial herb (except in extremely cold climates) and makes a lovely ground cover. There are creeping varieties, but some will reach two' tall, so check the tags before purchasing oregano. It is a traditional seasoning for Italian dishes such as pasta sauces, poultry and stews. Start seeds indoors six weeks before the last projected frost or purchase plants and plant eight" to ten" apart in full sun. Oregano is cold hardy in zones 5-10.

Sweet Woodruff is an excellent choice for more natural woodland gardens or pathways. It is mostly known for its use in May wine and Rhine wine. It adds a soft fresh-mown hay fragrance to your garden. It has attractive leafy foliage and creates a carpet of white flowers in May. It is hardy in zones 4-9 and grows to 12" tall. Sweet Woodruff is the main ingredient for May wine, so you may want to try making your own.

Roman Chamomile loves full sun and quickly fills in bare spots in any garden. A light loamy soil suits it best. The flowers are used to make a soothing tea that is said to help alleviate insomnia. It has a sweet fragrance and deep evergreen foliage. It is hardy in zones 4-8 and grows to a height of 12".

EVERGREEN GROUND COVER

Juniper, Blue Rug is an excellent choice for ground cover in a more formal garden. It is low-growing evergreen and has blue-green feathery foliage that turns a soft purple in fall. It forms a dense mat four to five feet wide and only 4" to 6" high. It thrives

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