Tips and Ideas for Ground Covers

Transform Your Landscape

A well-designed landscape can significantly enhance any outdoor space's visual appeal and functionality. One of the essential components of landscaping is choosing the right ground cover plants. Ground cover plants provide an attractive carpet of foliage and serve functional purposes like erosion control, weed suppression, and moisture retention. This guide will explore various ground cover landscaping tips and ideas to help you create a stunning and practical outdoor environment.

Understanding Ground Cover Plants

They play a crucial role in landscaping by providing a seamless transition between various landscape elements. Ground cover plants can complement larger plants, fill in gaps, control erosion on slopes, and create visually appealing patterns.

When selecting ground cover plants, consider local climate, soil type, sun exposure, and maintenance requirements. Choose plants well-suited to your specific conditions to ensure their success and longevity in your landscape.
Benefits of Ground Cover Landscaping
Ground cover landscaping offers several benefits that contribute to the overall health and aesthetics of your outdoor space:

Weed Suppression: Ground cover plants can densely cover the soil, reducing the growing space for weeds. This natural weed control method minimizes the need for chemical herbicides and manual weeding.
Erosion Control: On slopes and areas prone to erosion, ground cover plants help anchor the soil in place with their root systems, preventing soil runoff during heavy rains.

Moisture Retention: The foliage of ground cover plants acts as well a natural mulch, shading the soil and reducing evaporation. This helps retain moisture and maintain consistent soil moisture levels.

Visual Appeal: Ground cover plants come in various colors, textures, and growth habits. They can create a visually exciting mosaic of patterns that adds depth and dimension to your landscape.


Reduced Maintenance: Once established, many ground cover plants require less maintenance than traditional lawns. This saves both time and resources.

Choosing the Right Ground Cover Plants

Selecting appropriate ground cover plants is crucial for the success of your landscaping project. Here are some considerations when choosing the right plants:

Sun Exposure: Determine whether the area receives full sun, partial shade, or full shade. Choose plants that thrive in the specific light conditions of your site.


Soil Type: Different ground cover plants have varying soil preferences. Some tolerate various soil types, while others require specific soil conditions. Conduct a soil test to understand the composition of your soil and choose plants accordingly.


Climate Adaptation: Opt for plants that are native or well-adapted to your climate. Native plants require less water and maintenance, as they naturally suit the local environment.


Growth Habit: Consider the growth habit of the plants. Some ground cover plants spread rapidly, while others grow more slowly. Choose plants that align with your desired level of coverage and growth rate.


Color and Texture: Think about the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Ground cover plants come in various colors and textures that can complement your landscape design.

Popular Ground Cover Options

There is a wide range of ground cover plants, each with unique characteristics. Here are a few popular options:

Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia): Its vibrant yellow-green foliage adds a pop of color to your landscape. It thrives in moist soils and partial shade.

Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum): This aromatic ground cover releases a pleasant fragrance when stepped on. It's ideal for sunny areas and is drought-tolerant once established.

Ajuga (Ajuga reptans): Ajuga, also known as Bugleweed, offers dark foliage and spikes of blue, pink, or white flowers. It's well-suited for shady areas and is deer-resistant.

Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis): This evergreen ground cover is excellent for shaded locations. Its glossy leaves provide a lush carpet-like appearance.

Corsican Mint (Mentha requiring): Corsican Mint fits the bill if you want a low-growing ground cover with a delightful scent. It's perfect for filling gaps between pavers and stepping stones.

Design Tips and Ideas

Incorporating ground cover plants effectively into your landscape design requires thoughtful planning. Here are some design tips and ideas to inspire you:

Create Visual Interest: Combine different ground cover plants with contrasting textures and colors to create eye-catching patterns. Consider using a mix of foliage colors, heights, and flowering periods for year-round appeal.

Pathway Borders: Use ground cover plants to define the edges of pathways and walkways. This adds a soft and inviting feel and helps prevent soil erosion.

Rock Gardens: Ground cover plants can soften the edges of rock gardens and fill in gaps between rocks. Choose plants that thrive in rocky and well-draining soils.
Slopes and Banks: Select fast-spreading ground cover plants with deep roots for areas prone to erosion. This will help stabilize the soil and prevent runoff.

Under Trees: Utilize shade-loving ground cover plants to cover bare soil under trees where grass might struggle to grow due to lack of sunlight.

Containers and Hanging Baskets: Some ground cover plants are well-suited for containers and hanging baskets. Cascading varieties can spill over the edges, adding visual interest to your patio or balcony.

Focal Points: Create focal points by planting clusters of ground cover plants around trees, boulders, or sculptures. This draws attention and adds depth to your landscape.

Planting and Maintenance Tips

Proper planting and ongoing maintenance are essential for the success of your ground cover landscaping project:
Prepare the Soil: Before planting, ensure the soil is well-prepared by removing weeds, debris and improving drainage if necessary. Incorporate organic matter to improve soil structure.

Spacing: Follow the spacing guidelines provided for each plant species. Proper spacing ensures that the plants have enough room to spread and grow.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around your ground cover plants. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Watering: Ground cover plants require regular watering to encourage root growth during the establishment period. Once established, they generally need less water.

Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, leading to excessive foliage growth and reduced flowering.

Pest and Disease Management: Monitor your plants for pests and diseases regularly. Early intervention can prevent the spread of issues and maintain the health of your ground cover plants.


Conclusion

Ground cover landscaping offers a versatile and visually appealing way to enhance outdoor space. By choosing the right ground cover plants, incorporating them into your design, and providing proper care, you could create a stunning and functional landscape that brings joy year-round. Whether you want to control erosion, suppress weeds, or add aesthetic value, ground cover plants are valuable to any landscaping project. So, roll up your sleeves, get your gardening gloves.

 

15 Ground Cover Favorites - TN Nursery

15 Ground Cover Favorites

The Nursery proudly offers the chance to purchase a ground cover grab bag containing ten healthy plants. This option allows each customer to have a horticulture specialist determine which ground cover plants will perform best in their U.S.D.A. growing zone. PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE ARE A COLLECTION OF PLANTS, NOT SPECIFIC PLANT TYPES. WE CHOOSE TYPES THAT WORK BEST FOR YOUR ZONE ACCORDING TO YOUR ZIP CODE Our horticulturists assess your zone and then hand-select your order. You will receive a surprise that includes a variety of 10 beautiful plants. T.N. Nursery specializes in growing species that are easy to care for and suitable for gardeners of every skill level. All The Ground Cover Favorites for Your Garden Floor This collection features several fantastic ground cover vining plants that you can use to cover your garden. These low plants grow along the world and easily cover broad space patches. They're a popular alternative for grass, and they also look pretty attractive when worked into landscaping features. We offer diverse options ranging from understated covers that fade into the background to eye-catching covers with unusual colors and features. The one thing all of these plants have in common is that they do a great job of growing along the earth's floor and providing even coverage across your landscape. Exciting Ways & Places To Plant The Ground Cover Favorites These versatile plants work in many situations. Some landscapers like to use them instead of grass to create a unique and beautiful-looking lawn. Others use them as coverage in between taller plants in flower beds. You can also design landscapes with dense clusters of these plants as borders for trees, sidewalks, patios, and more. Try one of our options in any situation where you might enjoy a low plant with high coverage. Many different types of plants are available for property owners who need coverage for their earth floors. The best ones have a few attributes that help them stand out. Their dense coverage ensures your yard gets a lush coat of leaves and greenery instead of bare dirt peeking through. Good plants for coverage also tend to have a relatively short and regular appearance. They provide a low, even coating that coats the floor without distracting from the rest of your land. TN Nursery Has Some Fantastic Ground Cover Favorites When you want to find great plants to blanket your earth floor, check out our ground cover Favorites. We've looked far and wide to find the most popular options. These iconic plants are well-liked by both professional landscapers and amateur gardeners. When you choose from this bunch of plants, you can be confident you'll get an excellent option that blankets your floor with a lot of beautiful, natural greenery.

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Ground Covers - 25 Plants - TN Nursery

Ground Covers - 25 Plants Choosen to Thrive In Your Zone

Transform your outdoor spaces into a captivating, low-maintenance haven with Ground Covers. This well-picked mix of undergrowth plants guarantees a gorgeous, visually pleasing, functional landscape thanks to the range of colors, textures, and growth habits. Whether you want to control erosion, suppress weeds, or create a vibrant carpet of foliage, - 25 Flowers is your ultimate landscaping solution. PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE ARE A COLLECTION OF PLANTS, NOT SPECIFIC PLANT TYPES. WE CHOOSE TYPES THAT WORK BEST FOR YOUR ZONE ACCORDING TO YOUR ZIP CODE Ground Cover Grab Bag Just For You TN Nursery is proud to offer a grab bag that allows each customer to have a horticulturist assess which flowers best suit their needs according to their U.S.D.A. growing zone. Our specialists will hand-curate your order and delight you with 25 easy flowers to develop and maintain. We specialize in hardy, healthy species that thrive in various conditions. A Ground Cover Grab Bag Is Low-Maintenance  Ground cover plants can ensure a low-maintenance garden and provide several earth-friendly advantages. Consider these benefits: Soil Erosion Minimization: They help minimize soil erosion, especially in parts of the yard where you cannot get anything to grow. When you find the right ones, you help lessen the impact of soil erosion stemming from wind and rapid water runoff. Wildlife Support: They provide birds with foliage for nesting and hatching their young. Your grab bag will help them hide from predatory species. Weed Elimination: Planting thick, dense flowers helps eliminate weeds without manual weeding or chemical sprays that can harm healthy flower cells. Ground Cover Grab Bag Species  The grab bag can include a variety of species. Our horticultural specialist will review your growing zone and needs to create a perfectly customized package. Some items might include: Ornamental grasses (Sedge grass, Carex pensylvanica) Moss (Cushion moss, peat moss, fan clubmoss) Woody vines (Virginia creeper, English ivy) Perennial flowers (Creeping phlox, evening primrose, ragwort, bugleweed) TN Nursery has hundreds of vigorous species from which we will choose the best undergrowth species—just for YOU. If you are ready to be delighted and surprised, order your ground cover grab bag today. We are eager to select your flowers with love and care.

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Blooming Plant Box - 25 Mixed - Perennials & Climber Groundcover Vines - Chosen Perfect For Your Zone - TN Nursery

Blooming Plant Box - 25 Mixed - Perennials & Climber Groundcover Vines - Chosen Perfect For Your Zone

The aesthetic enhancement of planting blooming perennials and flowers. The aesthetic enhancement of planting blooming perennials and flowers can significantly enhance the beauty and appeal of any outdoor space, whether a garden, a backyard, or even a balcony. Here are some ways in which planting blooming perennials and flowers can enhance aesthetics: This plant ships bare-root and dormant (no leaves or foliage). It will not green out until next spring. Blooming Plant Box - 25 Mixed Blooming Perennials Groundcovers Colorful Display: Blooming perennials and flowers bring color to any landscape. You can choose various flowers with different colors to create a visually appealing display. Consider the color scheme of your outdoor space and select flowers that complement or contrast with it. Seasonal Interest: By choosing a range of perennials and flowers that bloom at different times of the year, you can ensure that your outdoor space remains vibrant and beautiful throughout the seasons. Plan your plantings strategically for continuous blooms from early spring to late fall. Texture and Form: Flowers come in various shapes, sizes, and textures. You can create a visually exciting landscape by incorporating different flower types, such as roses, lilies, daisies, and asters. The contrast in form and texture adds depth and complexity to the overall aesthetic. Fragrance: Many blooming perennials and flowers have delightful scents that can add another dimension to your outdoor space. Consider planting fragrant flowers like roses, lavender, jasmine, or sweet peas to create a sensory experience that pleases both the eyes and the nose. Pollinator-Friendly: Planting flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators enhances their aesthetics and promotes a healthy ecosystem. Pollinators are essential for the reproduction of many plants and contribute to biodiversity. Choose nectar-rich flowers like coneflowers, zinnias, or bee balm to attract pollinators. Height and Structure: Incorporate flowers with varying sizes and structures to add visual interest to your garden. Combine tall flowers like delphiniums or hollyhocks with medium-sized flowers like salvia or geraniums and groundcover flowers like creeping phlox or alyssum. This layering effect creates depth and makes the landscape more appealing. Foliage Contrast: Blooming perennials often come with attractive foliage that can provide visual interest even when the flowers are not blooming. Enjoy Your Blooming Plant Box Variety  Consider plants with different leaf shapes, colors, and textures to create a diverse and visually pleasing garden. Focal Points: Use blooming perennials and flowers as focal points or accents within your landscape design. Place them strategically in critical areas, such as near entrances, along pathways, or in containers, to draw attention and create visual focal points. Blooming Plant Box Perennials Live For Years When selecting plants for your specific location, remember to consider factors such as sunlight requirements, soil conditions, and hardiness zones. You can create a visually stunning and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space by carefully planning and choosing a mix of blooming perennials and flowers.

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Ajuga Reptans - TN Nursery

Ajuga Reptans

Ajuga Reptans is an evergreen flowering perennial groundcover that offers greenery year-round. The plant has shoots of purple blooms in early Spring, making it versatile and perfect for maintaining beauty in small areas. Ajuga Reptans Has Many Names They are known as bugle, common bugle, carpenter’s herb, bugle herb, Bugleweed, carpetweed, and St. Lawrence plant; this is a hardy member of the mint family. In this planting season, look for ways to transform empty and bare ground space into lush foliage. While there are plenty of options to choose from when establishing a lawn, only a few work well in partially shady gardens. If you are also struggling to grow plants and grass in your calm, shady areas, Ajuga Reptans is the answer you are looking for. Ajuga Reptans Is A Wonderful Groundcover Also known as Bugleweed, these Ajuga Reptans create a stunning deep green ground cover with blue-tone spikes of lovely flowers. Whether you are: A new gardener or an experienced one. Working with this flowering plant is a breeze as it proliferates. Fill in all the unsightly and empty areas in your garden. However, when planting Bugleweed, you want to consider growing conditions for it to thrive and form a dense carpet of flowers. Plant it in damp but not wet dirt in a partially shaded area during Spring or autumn. These flowers do not grow in dry, damp, and sunny gardens. With ideal growing conditions, this flowering plant will grow into a thick, lush ground cover, enhancing the overall appeal of your outdoor space. Features of Ajuga Reptans Here are a few distinctive features that make Bugleweed a must-have addition to your garden: Year-Round Foliage: Bugleweed stays vibrant green throughout the year and can thrive in all types of growing zones. Low-Maintenance: Once established, this flowering plant is easy to maintain and perfect for new and busy gardeners. Pollinators: The beautiful spikey flowers that bloom in sprint attract different pollinators, which help support the local ecosystem and promote biodiversity. Deer-Resistant: Ajuga Reptans is excellent deer-resistant and helps keep deer out of your property. With all these features and benefits in mind, adding Ajuga Reptans to your landscaping is the only right choice. So, check out Ajuga plants for sale at TN Nursery.

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