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When taking on the project of landscaping an area, landscape ground cover is important. Depending on the area you are planting there are many times that a plant that will spread over the ground or root as they grow are a gardeners best friend. The colors, textures, and growing characteristics of plants used as landscape ground cover are extremely varied. Once the environment and usage of the area is defined there are several types of plants to choose from.
When the word landscaping is used the project often covers a large area with numerous features. Specimen plants, group plantings, structured flower beds and trees are often involved as well as garden features like fountains, figurines, and pathways. The bridge that ties many of these features together are plants referred to as ground cover. Landscape ground cover between the specific plantings preserves moisture and acts as an effective weed control measure. Ground cover can be used in areas as large as a field and as small as an under-planting beneath a small tree. There are a number of plants that can be used in any situation.
Landscape ground cover includes a number of shrubs, vines, and perennials that have a relatively flat surface ranging from ground hugging to 3 feet tall. While some of the matlike types can be walked on none of them can take the traffic grass can. Grass is the most common of all landscape ground covers. If the area to be landscaped is to be used for playing or high walking traffic grass is most often the best choice. Some ground covers need to be planted in groups while others will spread out with time through the root system. Researching the best planting practices for the type of plants you plan to use is essential.
Wind, sunlight, moisture and the surrounding area are all considerations when selecting landscape ground cover. Areas with routine strong winds need a tough plant that can withstand the ravages of forceful winds. Cape Weed, Sand verbena, ice plant, and lantana are a few varieties of landscape ground cover that can grow well in windy areas. Shady area ground covers include vinca, wild strawberries, ground ivy, and star jasmine. Arid areas like steep hillsides can be dressed with Kinnikinnick, Queen’s Wreath, Cat’s Claw, Silver Lace Vine, or Ground Morning Glory. In direct contrast moist, soggy grounds need plants that can have their roots in water. Physical conditions such as a swimming pool require soft foliage and a minimum of litter to minimize swimming pool filter problems.
Landscape ground cover can be any plant that provides a uniform appearance and is less than 3 feet tall. Propagation is often done by these low maintenance plants by rooting as they go. Others are clumping and need thoughtful planting to assure good coverage of the area. Landscape ground cover includes all types of plants which add texture and color to the lower level of your garden stories. The plants listed above are just a small sampling of what is available for some of the common landscaping ground cover challenges gardeners face.
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Author Bio Box: Patricia Wainwright
Get all the facts about landscape gardening and organic gardening at GreenThumbArticles.com!
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