About Growing Ground Covers

Whether the ground cover will replace a problem lawn, cover a barren hillside, frame a flower garden, or drape over a stone wall, an understanding of the basic steps that are the key to growing healthy, vigorous plants is essential. Of primary importance is the initial plant selection.

There are hundreds of possible ground covers: The variety in color, texture, and size is tremendous. A ground cover must be attractive, but even more important, it must be suitable for the particular site to be planted. Match the cultural requirements of the plant with the location to ensure success. Know the growth habit, mature size, and water requirements of any ground cover before planting.

It is possible to experiment with different plants for different locations; ground covers are a highly adaptable group. If the ground cover is to solve a landscaping problem, however, choose carefully for fast and reliable results.