Selecting Groundcovers
Do a bit of remodeling in your landscape this year and dress up the ground beneath your feet with groundcovers.
Groundcovers can add texture, seasonal color with flowers and foliage and help unify your landscape design. But they are more than pretty plants. Proper selection and use of these plants can provide big benefits. Use groundcovers to prevent erosion, reduce maintenance on slopes and improve the environment around trees and shrubs.
Select plants that are suited to the growing conditions. Consider the amount of light, type of soil and moisture they will receive. Consider drought tolerant plants to reduce moisture needs once the plants are established. Check on their longevity and care required to keep them looking good for the years ahead.
And consider their place in the landscape. Select those that tolerate foot traffic when using as a walkway or surrounding steppers.
A bit more information: Groundcovers improve the growing conditions around trees and shrubs. They keep the roots cool and moist and keep damaging mowers and weed whips away from their trunks and stems. And when possible, use groundcover plants that can hide the falling leaves and fruit when grown beneath trees.
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