I firmly believe that a garden is for pleasure, to present a pretty picture when looking out from the house, and to provide a space for its occupants to relax and be one with nature. This can be hard to achieve, as we all (probably) suffer from a lack of time to deal with weeding, staking or watering in hot, dry weather. The cost of gardening is also something that concerns most of us. However, there is something easy to do if we want interest and colour in the garden during the different seasons of the year, and this can be achieved by planting groundcovers.
What is a groundcover?
Groundcovers serve the same purpose in a garden as carpets do indoors. They are low growing plants with a spreading habit that provides a rapid and dense cover. These spreading plants add quick, attractive seasonal colour, provide a hiding place for tiny creatures, and are low on maintenance as they only need a trim after flowering.
A mulch of organic matter after flowering will keep plants healthy. Also, be on the lookout for slugs and snails as the very nature of the growth of groundcovers encourages slugs and snails to breed.
Value of groundcovers
∞ They are effective for covering the bare soil between newly planted trees and shrubs.
∞ They are essential in coastal gardens to bind sandy soil, especially during heavy rains and strong winds, preventing soil erosion. Groundcovers are also the best plants to plant on slopes. They help to slow water when it rains, enabling the soil to absorb more water.
∞ They cut down on maintenance by reducing weed re-growth.
∞ Increasing moisture retention in the root zone and help to keep the soil cool. Acting as a living mulch for plants in their vicinity.
∞ It can be planted between paving to soften the landscape and be more environmentally friendly.
∞ Shade-loving groundcovers are invaluable for ornamenting the ground under trees. Those with light variegated foliage lighten up dark shady areas.
∞ Groundcover can be planted in containers and hanging baskets.
How to choose a groundcover
When selecting plants for a groundcover, it is essential to consider the climate and the soil. Groundcover is planted to beautify the garden. Not for a season, but for as long as you wish to have them. Spending proper time on the soil preparation before planting will ensure healthy growth and reduce the time and money required for later maintenance. Remember to plant them in well-draining soil with compost added.
Choosing the correct ground cover for an area
The following lists have been compiled to assist gardeners in choosing the right groundcovers to suit their climatic conditions and introduce variety in form and colour from season to season.
Groundcovers for dry gardens in full sun:
Aptenia cordifolia
Arctotis species
Bulbine frutescens
Crassula species
Carpobrotus species
Delosperma species
Helichrysum cymosum
Osteospermum species
Gazania species
Portulacaria prostrata
Pelargonium species
Lampranthus species
Dymondia margaretae
Groundcovers for coastal gardens:
Aptenia cordifolia
Arctotis species
Bulbine frutescens
Carpobrotus species
Crassula species
Drosanthemum species
Felicia species
Geranium incanum
Osteospermum species
Pelargonium species
Tetragonia decumbens
Gazania species
Portulacaria prostrata
Groundcovers for shady places:
Asparagus densifloris ‘Mazeppa’ and Asparagus ‘Meyersii’
Crassula multicava
Plectranthus species
Rhiocicssus tomentosa
Chlorophytum comosum and Chlorophytum comosum Variegated
Sutera cordata (Chaenostoma cordatum)
Crassula spathulata and Crassula pellucida
Groundcovers that are selected carefully for texture or colour will:
tie the garden together, giving it an established and well-maintained look
linking the bigger shrubs and trees together
accent focal points
fill gaps
provide unity
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African Stachys, Katbossie. The hardy all-year-round beauty
This evergreen, hardy and fast-growing groundcover occur naturally in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State and Kwazulu-Natal, in full sun to shade. It appears delicate, but is very tough, particularly when in full bloom. The African Stachys mainly blossoms in spring, but with a few flowers almost year-round.
Perfect for summer and winter
African Stachys aethiopica can be planted under large trees, used as an edging along the informal garden border, to cover a shady bank or in hanging baskets or containers. It is also a good fynbos garden plant. For best results plant in well-drained, compost-enriched soil and water regularly. Mulch with compost once a year in spring. Once established, it is frost and drought hardy.
Strong smelling means no pests!
Being from the mint family (Lamiaceae) the stems are short, stiff and 4-sided with egg-shaped to triangular leaves with a toothed margin and soft green in color. The leaves are intensely aromatic and hairy. Because of these hairy and fragrant leaves, the African Stachys do not have any major pests. The flowers are spikes of tiny tubular white to pale mauve flowers with a few darker spots. This spreading groundcover is very attractive during spring when in full bloom and attracts bees, butterflies, and birds to the garden. Remember any plant that attracts these helpful insects are lovely to have in your garden as they ensure pollination and distribution of the seeds from the other plants or flowers in your garden.
After flowering trim back to encourage bushier plants and also longer flowering season.
Good for the garden and for you
This African Stachys is used as a medicine to cure feverish delirium, influenza and liver disorders. This hardy plant can also be used for internal haemorrhoids as well as gynaecological problems.
Stachys aethiopica is an attractive groundcover for both sun and shade; it is low maintenance and is an excellent addition to any water-wise garden. Hardy and long-lasting, beautiful all year round.
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This indigenous groundcover has it all! It is drought tolerant, evergreen, waterwise, and it can take full sun to deep shade. It also attracts bees and butterflies to your garden. It is a good container plant, can be used for mass planting, is good for soil stabilization, and can be planted along river and stream banks. It is suitable for coastal gardens, and it is fast growing.
On top of all this, this plant is really spectacular when in full flower. It has tiny star-shaped white/pinkish flowers on thin stems held above the leaves (also known as the “ballerinas” of the garden), from the end of winter to early summer.
Care for your plant
Crassula multicava prefers well composted deep soil. Prune them after flowering – use a hedge cutter to remove as much of the foliage as you wish – the recovery time is short and the reward is a dense carpet from which the mist of blooms will appear soon again.
There is a distinct difference in appearance depending on the position in which the Fairy Crassula is planted. In deep shade, the leaves are larger and darker green, and the plants have fewer flowers. In full sun, the leaves are smaller and a lighter green in colour, and flowering is profuse.
Propagation
This couldn’t be easier. Tiny plants grow on the tips of the flower stalks after flowering is over – propagating itself. It can also be propagated by taking leave or stem cuttings, or by sowing seed.
Interesting Fact
The leaves contain hydathodes (water secreting pores) which serve for rapid absorption of water from the leaf surface.
In summary
Crassula multicava is a particularly useful groundcover for those difficult, unsightly spots. It is one of a very few shade-loving succulents, loved by many a gardener.
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