The Benefits of Groundcover Plants

Every garden needs those low growing beauties that add vibrance to the front of the planting bed. Groundcover plants, regardless of them being evergreen, deciduous, perennial or annual. have benefits and uses beyond being that first low layer in your design.

Utilizing groundcover as a weed suppressant is probably one of it's most useful applications. Let a spreading evergreen wrap around other plants to provide a barrier for weeds while also helping to retain moisture in the bed. If you are planting on a slope these plants can aid in retaining soil to prevent erosion and keep taller plants in place.

In a perennial border low growing plants can be tucked into small spaces where you need to fill a gap, try contrasting foliage and colors to really make them pop. If your bed is curved and has multiple layers you will find this helpful as there are often spaces that can only fit one plant rather than a larger drift. You will still want to consider continuity to avoid just having several single species scattered throughout the space.

And of course the addition of annuals is the perfect way to add a lot of color and interest where there is open space. Drifts of pansies in the Spring or mums in Autumn help usher in the seasons of our established gardens and provide that beauty we crave as the garden is first coming into season or waning at the end.

However you chose to utilize groundcover plants they will certainly be an amazing addition to your garden. Although they are small in size they are huge in their impact and benefits in the garden.