Groundcovers – Time and money savers in every garden
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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