The Seed A Publication of the Nebraska Statewide Arbore- Groundcovers—Nature’s Living Inside: Groundcovers for Sun & By Bob Henrickson incredible variety of groundcover Shade Too often, groundcovers are offerings—woody not considered when new landscape or herbaceous; Groundcover Prairie Grasses plantings are installed. Traditionally, the limbing, clumping or soil surface of new planting beds that running; evergreen or Woody Groundcovers incorporate trees, shrubs and herbaceous deciduous—in all kinds perennials is covered with a 2-3” layer of colors, textures and Establishing Groundcovers of organic mulch. The organic mulch fragrances, leaves an helps to conserve moisture, control array of possibilities for weeds and give the landscape a uniform, use as living mulch. finished look. However, it usually takes Mulch rings around a number of years before the plants trees are usually kept mature, prompting a yearly top-dressing to a minimum size to of mulch to keep the open areas covered. reduce maintenance This yearly addition of mulch can be upkeep. Under-planting relatively expensive and excessive mulch trees within the mulch Groundcovers can greatly reduce the need for weed- can build up on the soil. It can also be a zone is a good way to lot of work to mulch use groundcovers, and a good way to between plants. The dense carpet of expand the mulch bed around the tree. shrubbery or growing along a mowed leaves, intertwining stems and abundant By planting around trees, the trunks will edge. roots of living mulch can function in “Bare earth bothers me not be injured by being scraped with a Try planting a combination of many of the same ways as traditional lawn mower. It also eliminates the need creeping groundcovers in small groups, mulches. Moreover, the constant because nature leaves for having to trim around trees. Plants where one is allowed to slowly weave growing, dying and breakdown of living provide seasonal interest and reduce the its way into the edge of another. In this nothing bare that will mulch will help build a healthy nutrient need for conventional mulches. But, case it’s important to choose plants that rich soil over time. be warned: Some of these pretty plants will grow and spread at about the same support life. Often I The list of available ground-covers pack a powerful punch and will invade rate. For example, sweet woodruff and has grown exponentially in recent years, have reflected this is everything near it. Ask before you buy. ajuga for shade or snow-in-summer and finally giving us some relief from tired The aggressive groundcovers can be kept leadwort in sun. old has-beens like Hall’s honeysuckle why men worry about in check by planting in a confined bed and dragon’s blood sedum. The or between dense upright perennials or baldness. In any case, ground in the garden that is not planted solid Groundcover Alternatives for the with ornamental plants will soon be solid with By Justin Evertson is no small advantage in the community American lawn has evolved into landscape. There really is no better something that is now expected to be a Turfgrass is by far the most weeds, so the point is to surface for field sports, kite flying, dog monoculture of grass kept lush, green, dominating groundcover in our lives. chasing, picnicking, tent camping and weed-free and tightly cropped throughout cover the ground.” In fact, it is now estimated that we are numerous other things people like to do the growing season. approaching 50 million acres of turf in outside. Continued on back Henry Mitchell, this country (Amy Vickers, Handbook Over the last half century, the of Water Conservation, 2001). Although The Essential turfgrass has many benefits, visual appeal remains the primary reason for its widespread use. People just seem to connect to the look of a green lawn, as if it were a living carpet radiating from What is a groundcover? our homes, businesses and public places. By Justin Evertson will settle on a common-sense Another great benefit of turfgrass is its definition for a groundcover that ability to withstand foot traffic, which ground cover n. Low-growing plants includes primarily those plants less than that form a dense, extensive growth and knee high and which tend to spread Spring 2005 arboretum.unl.edu Phone: 402-472-2971 Lincoln, NE 68583-0715 University of Nebraska P .O. Box 830715 Statewide Nebraska Arboretum tend to prevent soil erosion. (American horizontally just above the ground plane arboretum.unl.edu Heritage Dictionary, 1982) in a natural fashion. Such spreading As its name implies, a groundcover can occur in numerous ways such as is just that—a low-growing plant that by seeding, rhizomes, stolons (stems or covers the ground. From a dictionary runners growing above ground), branch we also learn that a groundcover is elongation and branch rooting. typically dense in habit and tends to Groundcovers can have a myriad prevent soil erosion. Therein lies of uses and benefits. They save time by a conundrum. Depending on one’s crowding weeds, shading the soil surface, point of view a groundcover could be conserving water as living mulch and just almost any plant imaginable. When we generally making the garden less work. travel high above the earth’s surface Best of all, they don’t have to be mowed in an airplane, for example, large trees and can be used on slopes where mowing become ground covers. They form is impractical. In this issue of The Seed dense canopies and they certainly help we explore some new and seldom-seen prevent soil erosion. Conversely, from uses for groundcovers, such as for living mulch around trees and shrubs and as U.S. Postage PAID the perspective of our lives on the Nonprofit Org.

Lincoln, NE ground, only those plants that we see alternatives to the traditional turfgrass Permit 46 radiating forth below us would seem to lawn. qualify. For the purposes of this publication we Groundcovers for Sun  Achillea millefolium, common yarrow. Clematis x jouiniana ‘Mrs. Robert Fern-like foliage with white, flat- Brydon.’ A vigorous, non-clinging topped flower clusters in early vine with many small bluish-white summer; moderate spreading from flowers in early fall; makes a nice 2’ fibrous rhizomes; can be mowed high groundcover when allowed to back after flowering to renew. grow between large shrubs. Introduced varieties offer flowers in  Conoclinium coelestinum, mist flower. various shades of pink, salmon, red Hardy Great Plains native with and orange. clusters of bright blue “ageratum”  Anemone canadensis, meadow flowers in fall on 18” stems; plants anemone. Attractive dark green, spread slowly by creeping rhizomes deeply divided leaves form dense and from seed. colonies to 2’ high; 1” white flowers Euphorbia cyparissias, cypress spurge. in late May; spreads by rhizomes Gray-green, ferny foliage topped rapidly in shady areas; mow back in with sulphur yellow flowers; spreads August for a flush of new growth. rapidly by underground stolons; Prairie smoke--Geum triflorum.  Antenneria neglecta, plains pussytoes. plant in a confined space and dry Handsome silver-gray leaves soils.  Oenothera speciosa, evening form a dense mat of growth from Euphorbia polychroma, cushion spurge. primrose. Lovely, large 2” pink creeping stolons; excellent for hot, A bushy plant that forms a 15-18” flowers over a long period in late sunny areas and between flagstone; wide cushion; covered with bright spring; tough, carefree plant to 18”; combine with Turkish veronica, yellow flower bracts in spring; easy rapid spreading, aggressive; plant in Plumbago—Ceratostigma plumbaginoides; creeping thyme or desert globe to grow; will spread by seed in open confined space. and candytuft--Iberis sempervirens. mallow; creeping in heavy soil and ground. Phlox subulata, creeping phlox. Dresses moderate in loose soil.  Fragaria virginiana, wild strawberry. up a walkway with sheets of pink, Artemisia. Silver gray foliage; fine Strawberry-like leaves and flowers lavender, white or rose. textured plants make a great filler on this rapid spreading native; great Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’, black- in the perennial border; ‘Sea Foam’ combined with bracted spiderwort eyed-susan. Large deep yellow and ‘Silver Brocade’ are excellent for they like similar conditions; sun flowers with black centers bloom selections; great for dry, well- to shade, moist to dry areas profusely from June through frost; drained areas.  Geum triflorum, prairie smoke. forms a nicely branched 2’ rounded  Aster oblongifolius, aromatic aster. Nodding pink flowers followed plant; will spread gradually from Forms dense plants to 20” high by feathery seed heads on this 15” rhizomes; not recommended for covered with violet-blue flowers in beauty; creeps by rhizomes to form extremely dry soils. September; lower leaves often shed dense colonies; quite adaptable to Native Groundcovers Salvia nemerosa, meadow sage. Although before flowering; creeping rhizomes; soil and moisture. not wide-spreading, many varieties needs sunny, dry conditions. Iberis sempervirens, candytuft. Showy If you’re looking for can be used in mass as reliable Aurinia saxatilis, basket of gold. white flowers can be sheared back groundcovers; proven cultivars groundcovers that will handle Clusters of brilliant yellow flowers after spring bloom for a bushier include ‘May Night’, ‘Blue Queen’ in early spring; 10” gray-green growth; dark green narrow leaves the climate conditions of and ‘Marcus’ with deep blue flowers foliage mat; allow to reseed before are evergreen in winter; likes sunny, on 12” spreading plants. your region, consider using shearing back; great combined with well-drained conditions. Saponaria ocymoides, soapwort. creeping phlox; drought-tolerant. Lysimachia clethroides, gooseneck ones native to the Great Abundant pink flowers in loose  Callirhoe involucrata, purple poppy loosestrife. White flower spikes on sprays in May; leafy plants form Plains, which have been mallow. Low-growing cut-leaf 2’ arching stems; moderate to rapid dense 12” plants to 2’ wide; shear  native to 12” tall and 4’ wide; dies spreader; attractive foliage turns marked . This results in back after flowering or allow to back to crown each year; bright reddish in fall; great between large reseed for groundcover; sunny, well- plantings that take less time purple cup-shaped flowers all shrubs; moist to dry, sun or shade. drained areas. summer; easy, drought tolerant; Marrubium rotundifolium, silver and resources to maintain. Sedum, low varieties. The small rapid cover. horehound. Silvery 4” evergreen stature and miniature leave of the Keep in mind, however, that Cerastium tomentosum, snow in summer. mat with spoon-shaped leaves; needs mat-forming sedums make them Low spreading, silver-gray carpet; well-drained dry location; creeps many of our yard soils are excellent living mulch in xeric masses of white flowers in summer, slowly. plantings and rock gardens; a actually subsoils dug out for 3-4” in bloom; suffers in wet, poorly Nepeta × faassenii, Faassen’s catmint. moderate spreader in sun, well- drained soils; moderate spreader in Easy to grow and very reliable; low, a basement and compacted drained areas. loose, dry soils. spreading habit, that is not invasive;  Sphaeralcea coccinea, scarlet globe around the site, in which case Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, plumbago. silvery-green foliage and masses of mallow. Attractive gray-green Glossy green foliage emerges late; long-blooming blue to lavender blue it’s important to break up leaves give rise to clusters of gentian blue flowers in late summer flowers; reliable cultivars include salmon-colored flowers in late May; the soil and add amendments to frost; 12” high; grows in full sun ‘Blue Wonder’, ‘Walker’s Low” and spreads moderately by creeping to part shade; moderate spreader in ‘Snowflake’ (white flowers). such as compost or topsoil. roots to form colonies; try with good garden soils. prairie junegrass and Oenothera macrocarpa var. incana. This sprawling primrose forms a nice groundcover. Groundcover Prairie Grasses for Sun Stachys byzantina, lamb’s ears. The texture of this sun-loving plant is a Bouteloua gracilis, blue grama. A nice contrast to other plants with its creeping, sod-forming native to 18” large velvety white, woolly leaves; when in flower; roots go deep. moderate to aggressive spreader; Bouteloua curtipendula, side-oats grama. perfect for confined hell strips. Moderate spreader with attractive  Thermopsis rhombifolia, goldenpea. seed heads to 3’. This beauty has bright yellow pea- Buchloe dactyloides, buffalo grass. like flowers in loose clusters in early Not just a prairie grass anymore; spring; strong rhizomes form loose breeding work has provided colonies; western Nebraska native; improved turfgrass type selections prefers dry, well-drained soils. for dry, non-traffic areas. Thymus spp. There are a number of Elymus virginiana, silky wildrye. Shiny outstanding thyme selections well leaves and rye-like seed heads to 2’; suited as a groundcover for dry, reseeds readily for shade. well-drained areas. Caraway, Panicum virgatum, switchgrass. mother of thyme, nutmeg and red Moderate spreader with robust creeping are all good prostrate rhizomes; 5-6’ plants need space. forms. Sporobolus heterolepis, prairie dropseed.  Tradescantia bracteata, bracted A 2’ bunchgrass excellent planted in spiderwort. Grass-like leaves Prairie dropseed, Sporobolis heterolepis. mass. and blue-violet flowers clustered Schizachyrium scoparium, little toward the stem tips; this spiderwort bluestem. This 2-3’ bunchgrass will moderately spreads by rhizomes; reseed readily to create a mass. lovely with wild strawberry; 16” high. Veronica, speedwell or Turkish veronica. Groundcovers for Shade Although it takes a little time and Carex plantaginea, plantain sedge. and many shades in between. patience to establish groundcovers, An evergreen clump-former with Hosta. Many compact forms these plants form a ground-hugging wide green foliage and seersucker available for edging, borders and companion for taller plants and trees. For texture. This grass-like plant tops groundcover; tolerates dry shade. many gardeners, they’re the best answer out at about 8”; moist or dry soils; Houttuynia cordata. ‘Chameleon’ offers for problem areas that are too shady, creeping spreader. pink, white and green leaves to 15”; dry or moist for anything but weeds. Convallaria majalis, lily-of-the-valley. ‘Plena’ has dark green, heart-shaped They generally grow where grass cannot Fragrant, white nodding bells in leaves with white flowers; rapid and are an interesting alternative to the spring; attractive lance-shaped spreading in moist, organic soils; traditional mulch beds. The following leaves to 8”; tough, easy to grow tolerates boggy soils. plants are some terrific shade-loving in moist or dry shade; moderate Lamium maculatum, spotted deadnettle. groundcovers, tried and true or long spreader. Hardy choice for summer color in underused. The plants are listed as rapid, Corydalis lutea. Small, yellow tubular shade or partial sun; moderate. moderate and creeping to describe how flowers cover plants in late spring Lamiastrum galeobdolon ‘Hermann’s fast they spread. to summer; gray, lacy foliage to Pride’, yellow archangel. Grows 12” high; spreads moderately by slow in shade and dry conditions. Aegopodium podagraria, bishop’s rhizomes. Lysimachia nummularia, moneywort. weed. Dense, creamy-white and Epimedium. ‘Sulphureum’. Dainty Green, ruffly foliage mat with green-foliaged groundcover; spreads flowers show off in the spring and small yellow flowers; excellent rapidly by underground rhizomes; resist deer. Takes its time to spread groundcover, moderate spreader. white, flat-topped flowers in June; to 3-4’. Pachysandra procumbens, Allegheny great under trees. Euonymus fortunei, wintercreeper. No spurge. Handles tree roots and Ajuga reptans, bugleweed. Purple leaves stranger to the garden, especially spreads indefinitely in loose soil; stay low to the ground; blue flower sunny spots. Give it some elbow moist or dry; evergreen. spikes to 8”; moist soil; moderate room as one plant can spread rapidly Pachysandra terminalis, Japanese spreader. to 3’; refined selections available. spurge. Attractive olive-green Alchemilla mollis, lady’s mantle. Gray- Galium odoratum, sweet woodruff. leaves spread to form a 6-10” high green, mat forming foliage; 12-18” Shiny, whorled deep green leaves dense carpet of green; creamy white wide; clumps of tiny yellow-green to 12”; small white flowers; prefers flowers in May; reliable and easy to starry flowers extend above the moist, organic soils; moderate grow; rapid. foliage in late spring; slow. spreader.  Polygonatum biflorum, Solomon’s seal.  Anemone canadensis, meadow Geranium sanguineum, bloody Solitary, arching stems to 3’; leaves anemone. See description in “Sun.” cranesbill. Bowl-shaped magenta arranged along stalk; creeps from Anemone sylvestris, snowdrops. An 8” flowers cover plants; deeply cut thick, horizontal rhizome to form mat of attractive light green leaves foliage can turn blood red in fall; colonies; tolerates dry shade once give rise to 2” dainty white flowers durable workhorse for the border; established. on stems to 18”; requires light Vinca minor (top); bloody cranesbill—Gera- shear back in summer; creeping  Smilacina stellata, false Solomon’s soil and part shade; moderate to nium sanguineum; and Solomon’s seal—Po- rhizomes. seal. Stems arching to 1-2’ with aggressive but easy to remove. lygonatum biflorum. Hedera helix, English ivy. Heart-shaped lance-shaped leaves clasping stem; Bergenia cordifolia, heartleaf bergenia. leaves cling to walls, fences and small white flowers top stems in Large, glossy, dark green leaves turn slopes; moist or dry; evergreen; spring; creeps from rhizomes to lavender-blue, star-like flowers; dry reddish in fall, semi-evergreen in moderate to rapid spreader. form colonies; prefers moist soils. or moist soils; moderate spreader. winter; rose-pink flowers in spring; Heuchera spp., coral bells. Reliable, easy Symphytum grandiflorum, comfrey. Waldsteinia ternata, barren strawberry. creeps slowly by rhizomes. to grow and drought tolerant when Bushy 18” plants with large ovate A nice groundcover, resembling a  Asarum canadense, wild ginger. A established; low, mounded habit leaves; small, sky blue tubular small version of a strawberry plant; woodland native with heart-shaped from 10-20” wide with a tendency flowers top the plants in spring; shiny evergreen leaves, bright leaves; needs moist, organic soils. to spread slowly from the base; most creeping to moderate spreader; yellow flowers in spring; heavy Brunnera macrophylla. Handsome, lush varieties selected for variegated or tough, durable for dry shade. shade to part shade; creeping. foliage topped with sprays of small mottled foliage ranging from wine- Vinca minor. An evergreen that offers sky-blue, forget-me-not flowers in colored to purple-green to chocolate spring; needs rich, moist, organic soils. Woody Groundcovers Woody plants do not die back to yellow flower clusters in spring; 15- the ground over winter, but will leaf out 18” high. from above ground on woody stems. Microbiota decussata, Russian arborvitae Some woody plants can spread through (cypress). Low growing, spreading rhizomes or layering (rooting where evergreen similar to juniper; branches touch the ground) and quickly attractive layered foliage fades to a fill in an area, providing valuable, yet purple-bronze in winter; tolerates attractive, erosion control. Other woody shade better than most junipers; 1-2’ plants can be planted in masses to give high and 6-8’ wide. a groundcover effect. Once established, Prunus besseyii ‘Pawnee Buttes’, groundcovers can be a low-maintenance Pawnee Buttes western sand cherry. develops chlorosis in high pH soils. solution for areas not appropriate for A low, creeping western native Symphoricarpos albus, common other plants, and can be repeated to 12-18” high and 6-8’ wide; glossy, snowberry. Deciduous shrub 3-4’ visually provide unity to a landscape. silver-green foliage; spring white flowers; prefers hot, dry. high. Densely fine and twiggy. Cotoneaster adpressus, creeping Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’, fragrant Leaves bluish-green. Fruit is cotoneaster. White flowers in spring sumac. Low, wide-spreading habit, white, showy, ripening September- and red fruits in fall; 1-1 ½’ high and 2’ high and 6-8’ wide. Excellent November. Tolerant of any soil, 4-6’ wide. Full sun. glossy foliage. Early yellow flowers; full sun to medium shade, suckers Euonymus fortunei, wintercreeper. See fast-growing cover; adaptable; profusely and spreads. description in “Shade.” tough.  Symphoricarpos orbiculatus, Juniperus, creeping juniper. Many Rosa species, creeping rose. ‘Memorial’, coralberry. This tough native cultivars of varying height and ‘Red Meidiland’, ‘Pink Meidiland’. develops into a spreading, arching forms. ‘Blue Chip’, ‘Broadmoor’, A rambler that lies flat on the shrub 2-4’ high. Clusters of showy ‘Andorra’ and ‘Prince of Wales’ are ground. Canes root where they touch purplish red fruit line themselves among the best. Place in full sun. soil; great on slopes; likes sun. all along the thin stems and persist Lonicera japonica ‘Halliana’, Hall’s Salix caprea ‘Weeping Sally’ willow. all winter; grows in sun or shade; honeysuckle. Only included here This beauty forms a large trailing suckers profusely. as a warning because it can spread mound that serves as an excellent rapidly; must be confined or it groundcover; incredible texture Creeping juniper—Juniperus; and coralber- will become a pest that is almost makes this a valuable landscape ry—Symphoricorpos orbiculatus. impossible to kill. plant. Mahonia repens, creeping mahonia. Stephanandra incisa ‘Crispa’. May be This western native is a low, pruned or mowed to keep below stoloniferous, evergreen 18”; grows 18-36” high, forming groundcover with holly-like leaves a thick tangle of stems. Prefers full that turn reddish purple in fall and sun or light shade. Small yellowish- winter; a durable plant that grows in white flowers are not showy and sun or shade; creeps slowly; fragrant borne in loose panicles. Tends to root wherever stems touch soil; Groundcover Alternatives continued from front Establishing Groundcovers Almost anywhere it is grown, and especially in the central U.S., carpet-like Planting turfgrass requires significant efforts to When planting groundcovers it’s Groundcovers should be planted maintain including regular mowing, edge important to learn and remember the in the spring or fall. Containerized trimming, fertilizer treatments, yearly environment in which the plants evolved. stock can be planted anytime during the pesticide applications, aeration, de- By paying close attention to where growing season if proper planting and thatching, and reseeding. Amazingly, the plants come from in nature—dry, upland maintenance procedures are followed. effort and expense required to maintain prairie, rocky outcroppings, fertile The number of plants needed the lawn in this ideal form have become lowlands or moist, rich woodlands—one depends on the spacing of the individual broadly accepted throughout American can try to provide them with the growing plants, their rate of growth and how fast society. Spring bulbs like Scilla siberica can provide conditions they were used to in nature. you want the space to fill in. You may Unfortunately, many lawn color while slower-growing perennials begin Landscapes that consist of heat-loving, want to densely plant a small, highly maintenance activities can have serious to emerge. drought-tolerant trees and shrubs require visible area for rapid fill, but a large area negative consequences for the broader a groundcover that can take these same may require sparser planting with several landscape. Misapplied herbicides conditions. much easier to tolerate a few dandelions, years being allowed for covering the site. can harm non-target landscape plants; plantains, black medic or other benign Site Preparation To estimate the number of plants insecticides and other pesticides kill weeds. Many groundcovers develop crown needed, first determine the size of the site or injure many beneficial insects and Where there is full sun some low- rot in heavy clay soils that don’t drain in square feet. Consider the average width wildlife; careless use of mowers and growing native prairie grasses have well. Adding coarse organic matter, such of the species and the spacing of individual string trimmers frequently causes severe become popular lawn alternatives. Most as composted or aged manure, peat moss plants to determine the approximate number injuries to trees and other landscape commonly used is buffalo grass (Buchloe or compost can improve the drainage of of plants you will need. plants; and the many gas-powered dactyloides) of which many cultivars machines used for lawn care contribute heavy clay soils and increase the water- Weed Control and varieties have been developed for to air and noise pollution. holding capacity of light sandy soils. Control weeds to enable the newly the plains states. Buffalo grass naturally Lingering drought throughout much Rototill or spade the soil to an 8” depth planted groundcover to form a dense mat. grows less than 12” high and will spread of the U.S. in recent years has brought and thoroughly incorporate the organic When properly established, groundcovers by both surface runners (stolons) and into focus another problem associated matter at a rate of 1 cubic yard (three full can compete with many weeds. Hand seed. Blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) with lawn upkeep—traditional lawns wheelbarrows) per 100 square feet. Many weeding is effective, but can be time is another plains native that can be typically require significant supplemental successful gardeners prefer raising the consuming. combined with buffalo grass in a lawn. moisture to be kept lush and green during planting area above the existing grade to Preemergent herbicides can Blue grama is primarily a clump former the growing season. In fact, in the central form a slight berm or crown. be used to control weeds in large that will do best when mowed higher U.S., it is estimated that over 70 percent Soil preparation can cause serious plantings. Always read and follow label and less frequently. Both buffalo grass of a community’s summer water use is for erosion on steep slopes. Working the directions. If perennial weeds such as and blue grama are extremely drought- turf irrigation (Amy Vickers, Handbook soil across the slopes in 12- to 24’ wide bindweed or dandelions are a problem, tolerant. of Water Conservation, 2001). At a bands alternated with undisturbed soil consider multiple applications of post- Even more so than traditional lawn time when rivers are running dry and will help reduce erosion. Mulching the emergent herbicide to eliminate these grasses, buffalo grass and blue grama groundwater levels are dropping, lawn slope with a fiber mat will further reduce weeds completely before planting any allow for the inclusion of many non- watering restrictionis are becoming erosion while conserving moisture and groundcovers. grass species. One way to think of such reducing weed competition. common in communities across the a planting is as a shortgrass meadow that Maintenance Central U.S. would be mowed high (8”-12” or so) A well-established A growing trend for many people and no more than a few times a season. groundcover is to develop lawns that require much Purple poppy mallow, pasqueflower, generally requires less fewer inputs to be maintained. The purple prairie clover, anemone, prairie maintenance than the solutions range from simple modification coneflower, plains purple coneflower, typical turfgrass lawn. of maintenance strategies for traditional yarrow, heath aster, dotted gayfeather, Groundcovers are not turf to new concepts that emphasize non- wild alfalfa and prairie larkspur are just totally maintenance- traditional species of plants including some of the species that could be used free, nor will they non-grass groundcovers. A common in such a planting. Indeed just about always tolerate theme emerging in this new effort is the any tough, low-growing perennial could conditions that will not need to broaden the diversity of plants be used. Those that are native would support turf. in any lawn planting. The idea is based give an air of authenticity to the prairie Pruning will on the old rule that nature tends toward meadow theme. stimulate new growth diversity over time. In fact almost any A bold alternative to the traditional on most groundcovers. healthy natural system is replete with a lawn is to eliminate turf grass entirely At planting time, prune wide variety of plants, animals, insects and use masses of non-turf ground back the growth by one and microbial life. In some ways modern covers instead. This “groundcover lawn” half (more on trailing lawn care has become a fight against this should only be used where foot traffic is plants such as ivy or natural tendency. not expected or desired. A gppd way to periwinkle) to promote For those who desire a more envision a groundcover lawn is to plant Slopes that would be difficult to mow are branching. traditional lawn but wish to cut back on in drifts where different masses of plants excellent sites for groundcovers. Many common groundcovers may maintenance inputs, a simple solution is are allowed to flow naturally from one to become overgrown in time, with thick, to just be more accepting of a less than another. Some plants may end up mixing tangled growth. Periodic pruning will perfect appearance. Instead of striving together while others might remain as control groundcovers and keep them for a lush green look throughout the one mass. Although turfgrass would not vigorous, neat and healthy. A mower set growing season, the lawn is allowed to be included, ornamental grasses could be very high, nylon cord trimmer, hedge go dormant or are watered only enough included for textural contrast and winter shears or hand clippers can be used. to survive the hottest and driest periods appeal. Mowing checks excessive growth, thins of the summer. Such lawns are typically A wide variety of plants could be out thick, unwanted stems, and can even mowed a little higher than most, the considered for a groundcover lawn. help to rejuvenate old, less vigorous clippings are allowed to stay on the Lawn alternatives for sunny areas groundcovers. grass, fertilizers are minimally applied include: Achillea, Aurinia saxatilis, and pesticides are used only to control Mulching Cerastium tomentosum, Euonymus severe problems. Many people have Once the plants are in place it’s fortunei, Juniperus, Nepeta, Sedum, come to accept benign weeds and hand- important to mulch around the individual Stachys byzantina and Thymus. pull or spot spray the few that might plants to cover the exposed soil. Mulching Lawn alternatives for shade or part cause serious problems. serves many purposes in a groundcover shade include: Aegopodium podagraria, Taking the relaxed approach a step planting. A 1-3” layer of mulch around Epimedium, Galium odoratum, Lamium further, other people are now once again the plants helps control weeds, maintains a maculatum, Lysimachia nummularia, mixing clovers into their lawns. This more constant soil temperature, conserves Pachysandra terminalis and Vinca minor. approach is a return to the time before soil moisture and reduces erosion on Despite all its benefits, the non- chemical broadleaf weed control when slopes. Compost, leaf mold, well-rotted traditional lawn in most of suburbia it was quite common to have clover manure, bark or wood chips and peat moss, is rarer than a one-stall garage. Most included in a planting mix. Clover has can be used as mulches. Make sure the people are just not yet willing to part several benefits including its ability to mulch isn’t too thick to enable plants that with or modify their perfect green add nitrogen to the soil, its deeper roots spread by runners to come in contact with carpets. In time, watering restrictions, bestow drought tolerance and help break soil and root. higher water costs and more pesticide up compacted soils, it can withstand Mulching also helps to protect plants restrictions will likely push more people foot traffic and it can be mowed at the from winter injury resulting from uneven into the non-traditional fold. In the same height as traditional turf. Some soil temperatures and soil heaving. Most mean time, those forward thinkers who people have also begun to include other evergreen groundcovers need protection are comfortable trying new things can low growing non-grass species in their from winter desiccation (drying). Apply help demonstrate to their neighbors lawns such as trefoil, violets (especially mulch loosely after the ground has frozen that the lawn can be both beautiful and where there is some shade) and scilla and remove it in the spring before growth biologically diverse while also being (a grass-like bulb with blue flowers in begins. spring) among others. In such lawns it is easier and cheaper to maintain.