Why Your Landscape Needs Great Ground Cover Plants

Big blooms and bold greenery get all the applause, but there’s another component of your landscape that doesn’t just take the stage, it practically *is* the stage – ground cover plants!

If you think of these humble and underrated plants as mere filler – or perhaps you don’t think of them at all! – then it’s time to think again. Ground cover plants are the reliable friends of your garden – always there, looking great, and never asking for much in return.

Beyond just looking good, they help out in all sorts of ways. These are some reasons your landscape *needs* ground cover and why it deserves a standing ovation.

Year-Round Beauty

No, not all ground cover is evergreen, but there are some spectacular choices that can bring color to your landscape through all four seasons. Options like Periwinkle, Creeping Juniper, Creeping Phlox, Angelina Stonecrop, and Candytuft are guaranteed to look as interesting as they sound.

While other plants might go into hibernation, these plants stay fresh and fabulous 365 days a year. Plus, many of them throw in a little extra flair with seasonal perks like flowers or berries, and some even change colors.

Periwinkle bursts into purple, blue, or white star-shaped flowers each spring. Creeping Thyme produces tiny purple, pink, or white flowers in summer and has the added bonus of bringing an amazing scent to your space. Creeping Juniper brings classic greenery all year long. There are too many to list!

Whether it’s the dead of winter or the heat of summer, you’re sure to find a plant that suits your style and brings color, texture, and visual interest to your space all year.

No-Hassle Care

If you’re a ‘”plant it and forget it” kind of person, ground cover is your best friend. These plants are the ultimate low-maintenance heroes because they thrive with minimal care. No constant pruning, no regular watering schedules, and no drama.

Once they’re established, many ground covers are highly drought-tolerant, meaning you won’t have to drag the hose around or contend with uncooperative weather or township water restrictions.

Most of them grow low and steady, so they don’t need much shaping, either. They also don’t demand fancy fertilizers or regular check-ins. If you can give them a good start, they’ll take care of the rest, giving you more time to simply enjoy your garden (or just chill on the patio).

Built-In Erosion Control

Ground cover plants are the secret superheroes of your garden when it comes to erosion control. Got a sloped yard or an area where soil seems to vanish after every rain? These plants are here to save the day. With their thick, sprawling roots, they hold onto the soil like a pro—no more watching it wash away in a storm.

They work like a natural shield, breaking up the impact of heavy rain and stopping runoff before it can do any damage. Plus, their roots are constantly busy beneath the surface, creating a tight-knit underground network that keeps the dirt in place.

If you’ve got a tricky hill or a spot where erosion is a headache, just plant some ground cover and let it take care of the heavy lifting – no cape required!

Goodbye Weeds

Ground cover plants may not get center stage, but they’re always working behind the scenes to keep your garden beautiful. They make excellent gatekeepers, blocking unwanted visitors like weeds.

These plants grow thick and fast, spreading out to create a solid blanket that weeds just can’t break through. With dense coverage, they hog all the sunlight and space, leaving pesky weeds with nowhere to sprout.

Once your ground covers are established, you won’t have to spend nearly as much time pulling out unwanted plants. And some ground covers shed leaves or needles, which creates a natural mulch layer that enriches the soil and is even harder for weeds to bypass.

Water Conservation

Ground cover plants act as nature’s water savers. They help keep your garden hydrated without you needing to play sprinkler monitor. Once established, many of these plants are naturally drought-tolerant, meaning they can survive with less water than thirstier plants and far less than that biggest water hog of all – lawn!

Plus, their thick, leafy growth acts like a living mulch, shading the soil and locking in moisture. By covering the ground with their fantastic blooms and fabulous greenery, they can help reduce evaporation, which means your soil stays moist longer, even on those hot, sunny days.

Healthier Soil

Ground covers do wonders for your garden’s soil health, making them the unsung heroes of your outdoor space. Thanks to leaves and stems that break down over time, these beauties consistently contribute organic matter to the soil.

This not only enriches the soil with nutrients but also helps create a healthier, more vibrant ecosystem right under your feet. Intersperse your favorite blooms among these hardworking plants, and your garden will thrive.

Ground cover roots also play a significant role. They burrow deep into the ground, where they help aerate the soil, which means better air and water flow for all your plants. Plus, this natural cover reduces soil compaction, ensuring that water can easily penetrate and reach thirsty roots.

Wildlife Habitats

From birds and bees to butterflies and bunnies, ground cover plants hold out the welcome sign for all the delightful wildlife you could hope to attract. They provide shelter and food for all sorts of critters, helping to boost biodiversity in your garden.

When you let these plants thrive, you’re not just beautifying your space, you’re also giving pollinators a place to hang out and feast on nectar from their flowers. And with pollinators comes the beauty and health of the rest of your garden, from flowering plants and shrubs to herb and vegetable gardens.

Many ground covers produce berries or seeds, offering tasty snacks for birds and small animals. Their dense foliage also provides cover for critters looking for a safe place to hide from predators or the elements.

Whether it’s a rabbit sneaking in for a snack or a bird building a nest, your garden becomes a bustling hub of wildlife activity.

Design Superstars

Ground cover is versatile enough to tackle just about any design challenge. Whether you’re working with slopes, shady spots, or sunny patches, these plants can fit in just about anywhere and look fabulous doing it.

Got a steep hill that’s a pain to mow? Ground cover is perfect for erosion control and will transform that troublesome slope into a lush canvas. Want to add some flair to your garden borders? Plant some creeping thyme or creeping phlox to create a beautiful, flowing edge that complements your flowers.

They also shine in rock gardens, filling in the gaps between stones and creating a stunning visual contrast. If you have a shady area under a tree where grass refuses to grow, ground covers like periwinkle will thrive and add vibrant color. And let’s not forget containers – ground cover can spill over the sides, softening hard edges and creating a relaxed, inviting look on your patio or balcony.

With so many options available, you can mix and match different types to create dynamic layers and textures in your landscape. The versatility of ground covers means you can have a garden that’s not only functional but also bursting with personality. So go ahead—get creative! Your garden is your canvas, and ground cover plants are ready to help you paint a masterpiece.

In a world where gardens can be both stunning and sustainable, ground cover plants stand out as the ultimate multitaskers. They provide year-round beauty, require minimal maintenance, and offer a host of benefits.

If you want to create a lush, vibrant garden that thrives with minimal effort, it’s time to embrace the charm and practicality of ground cover. Your garden (and the environment) will thank you!

To explore how ground cover can be used in your outdoor space, contact us for a consultation. We’ll work with you to design YOUR perfect space – one that suits your style, your personality, and that you can enjoy and grow with all year long.