When it comes to garden design, there’s nothing quite like a well-placed ground cover to add a touch of elegance and sophistication. Not only do they soften the landscape and add a pop of colour, but they also help to prevent weeds from taking hold. In this article, we’ll be exploring eight unbeatable options for garden ground covers, each with its own unique charm and benefits. Whether you’re looking to create a modern planting scheme or add a touch of whimsy to your cottage garden, there’s a ground cover plant out there to suit your style. Just be sure to choose a variety that will thrive in your specific soil conditions and light levels. Here are eight ground cover plants that are sure to impress:
• **Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)**: This perennial spreads quickly and brightens up the landscape with its small, yellow flowers in summer. To keep its colours bright and its flowers luscious, make sure to keep the soil moist and well-draining. • **Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)**: With its vibrant flowers in tones of pink, purple, red, and white, creeping phlox is a wildlife-friendly option that’s perfect for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. It prefers well-draining soil and partial shade, but can tolerate full sun once established. • **Mind Your Own Business (Soleirolia soleirolii)**: This low-growing, shade-tolerant plant is perfect for Japanese-style gardens and can be used to fill cracks in stone walls. Don’t let it dry out, water it well! • **Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca)**: If you’re looking for a country garden ground cover with a fun twist, wild strawberry plants are the perfect choice. They produce delicious fruit and can be trained to spread using their vigorous runners. • **English Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)**: These beautiful spring-flowering bulbs are a natural choice for woodland-inspired gardens and add a delicate touch to shaded areas. Be sure to use the English variety and not the Spanish ones, as the latter can out-compete the former. • **Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)**: This evergreen ground cover forms a mat of tiny aromatic leaves and pretty purple flowers that will attract bees and other pollinators to your garden. It prefers free-draining soil and full sun, but can thrive in partial shade once established. • **Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis)**: This evergreen ground cover is a great choice for shadier spots and can be used to create a verdant mat around shrubs or paving stones. Its small, white flowers in summer also make it a useful plant for pollinators. • **Aubrieta (Aubrietia spp.)**: This low-maintenance ground cover comes in a range of colours, including purple, red, pink, and white. It prefers well-drained, slightly alkaline soil and at least six to eight hours of sunlight a day to thrive. By incorporating one or more of these eight unbeatable ground cover plants into your garden design, you’ll be able to create a beautiful, low-maintenance space that’s perfect for relaxing and enjoying the great outdoors. **Tips and Tricks**
* Make sure to choose a ground cover plant that will thrive in your specific soil conditions and light levels. * Consider the spreading nature of the plant and how it will affect the overall look of your garden. * Keep in mind that some ground cover plants can be invasive, so be sure to research and choose varieties that are suitable for your region. * Don’t be afraid to mix and match different ground cover plants to create a unique and interesting garden design. * Regular maintenance, such as watering and pruning, is essential to keep your ground cover plants looking their best. By following these tips and choosing the right ground cover plant for your garden, you’ll be able to create a beautiful, low-maintenance space that’s perfect for relaxing and enjoying the great outdoors.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about garden ground covers:

What spring-flowering plants can you use as ground cover?

• Hardy spring bulbs are generally low-maintenance and can be used as ground cover. Some types, such as English bluebells, snowdrops, and daffodils, will spread well over time.
• Winter aconites and some varieties of anemone are also good choices for early blooms.

What are some good ground cover plants for full sun?

• Wild strawberries and creeping thyme work well in full sun, and can be used to add a touch of colour and texture to your garden.
• Stachys byzantina and heather are also good choices for full sun, although they require acidic soil and minimal fertiliser.

How do I care for my ground cover plants?

• Make sure to water your ground cover plants regularly, especially during hot weather.
• Prune your ground cover plants regularly to keep them looking their best.
• Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and take action promptly if you notice any issues.

By answering these frequently asked questions, you’ll be able to create a beautiful and low-maintenance garden that’s perfect for relaxing and enjoying the great outdoors.

Glossary

Here’s a glossary of terms used throughout this article:

Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)

Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)

Mind Your Own Business (Soleirolia soleirolii)

Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca)

English Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)

Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis)

Aubrieta (Aubrietia spp.)

Note: A comprehensive glossary of terms related to gardening and plants is available on our website.

Conclusion

Garden ground covers are a great way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your outdoor space. So why not give one of these eight unbeatable options a try? Your garden will thank you!