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GROUNDCOVERS GOOD ALTERNATIVE TO GRASS IN SPECIAL SITES
"Groundcover" is a term used to describe a family of more than 300 plants used to form a thick "cover" in a particular space. The height of groundcovers can range from 1 inch to 4 feet.
Gardeners choose groundcovers for a variety of reasons:
- Unify unrelated landscape elements
- Provide an attractive alternative to grass in shady areas
- Define or emphasize certain areas or features
- "Soften" harsh walls and embankments
- Control soil erosion on slopes
The most widely used groundcover, of course, is turfgrass. Gardeners often choose grass because of its dense, uniform growth and ability to withstand foot traffic.
I've been experimenting with groundcovers because I think they're more interesting than turf grass and because the dense shade in my yard isn't suitable for growing grass.
On the surface, the idea seems idyllic - an attractive plant that forms an attractive canopy, chokes out weeds and never needs mowing. Be aware, however, that the number of plants needed to cover a large area can cost considerably more than turf grass and may take 3-4 years to fill in like the pretty photos in the mail order catalog. The most economical way to convert an area to a groundcover is to thin out (with permission!) a friend or neighbor's established stand.
Here are some of the groundcovers I'm using and some thoughts about each.
Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis) - Also known as Japanese spurge. Grows to about 1 foot tall and spreads by underground stems to form a dense mat with glossy yellow-green leaves. Likes partial to heavy shade and performs well under trees. When planted 8 inches apart, pachysandra will take about 3 years to fill in completely. The best price I've seen is 1,000 plants for $290 from Musser Forests, a mail order nursery in Pennsylvania.
Myrtle (Vinca minor) - Also known as common periwinkle. I planted about 200 bare-root clumps of 10-runners each and only about half the clumps survived last winter. Once established, myrtle forms an attractive 6-inch mat of trailing stems and leaves. Suitable for partial sun or shade. Myrtle has funnel-shaped lilac-blue flowers in spring.
Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans) - Forms a dense mat 4-6 inches high with violet-blue flowers in May. Many cultivars are available; the most common have purple-bronze colored leaves. It spreads quickly by stolens that root at the nodes and will grow in full sun to heavy shade. Like myrtle, bugleweed is subject to winterkill if not protected by snow cover or a cover of mulch.
Moneywort (Lysimachia nummularia) - You may know it (i.e., curse it) by its common name, Creeping Charlie! But think about it - this vigorous ground-hugger is hardy, spreads fast and has pretty yellow flowers in June. Plant it in an area where grass won't grow. Some cultivars are less invasive than "the weed" and sport attractive yellow-green leaf coloration.
Barrenwort (Epimedium species) - I have not planted it, but the Arboretum has several healthy stands on the patio behind the Snyder Building. Many regard epimedium as the best all-around groundcover. It grows about one foot tall and spreads vigorously by underground rhizomes. Plant in partial to heavy shade.
Hostas - Hostas are probably my favorite ground cover. The only reason I don't have more is their higher relative cost. Hostas love shade and are available in an almost limitless range of leaf shapes and colorations. Mix them up to create bold, distinctive landscape effects. The flowers of hostas, borne in summer, are secondary to their showy leaves.
This listing only scratches the surface of what's available in the world of groundcovers. One book in my library, "Groundcovers for the Midwest," lists more than 300 woody and herbaceous plants that behave as groundcovers.
If you're interested in converting part of your yard to groundcovers, I recommend taking a notebook and pencil to the Arboretum and record names of groundcovers you like. Then locate a gardener with that species and comment that their stand looks awfully thick. Hopefully they'll respond, "Yeah, it really needs to be thinned out, but I've been so busy." That's when you reach for your shovel.
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PUTTING DOWN ROOTS:
A Delightful Blend of
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