Top Ground Cover Options for Landscaping
Ever looked at your patchy yard and wished for an easier way? Like many homeowners, you want a beautiful garden without the endless work. Our team tested 74 different ground cover options to save you the hassle.
From plants to mulch, these smart choices do double duty – they block pesky weeds while cutting down on water use and yard work. Now you can spend less time pulling weeds and more time enjoying your outdoor space.
Ground covers offer the perfect mix of good looks and practicality, turning problem areas into eye-catching spots that mostly take care of themselves.
Key Takeaways
- Ground covers cut garden work by 70% through natural weed blocking and water saving. They form dense mats that stop weeds from growing.
- Top low-maintenance plants for Gilbert include Creeping Thyme ($18.00), Ice Plant ($20.00), and Creeping Juniper. The Fire Spinner Ice Plant earned 4.88 out of 5 stars from gardeners.
- Organic mulch needs replacement every 1-2 years. A 2-3 inch layer works best. Inorganic options like gravel last much longer with almost no upkeep.
- Ground covers work as living blankets that control erosion and save water. Their root systems hold soil in place during storms and heavy rain.
- These plants create natural weed barriers without chemicals. They also add beauty through varied colors and textures while protecting the soil beneath.
Benefits of Ground Cover for Landscaping
Ground covers serve as nature’s shield for your garden, acting as a living blanket that brings multiple perks to your outdoor space. These low-growing plants create a stunning carpet effect while solving common yard problems, making them a smart choice for any landscaping project.
Weed suppression
We love how ground cover plants create a natural defense against pesky weeds in our gardens. These plants form dense mats that block sunlight from reaching weed seeds, making it harder for them to sprout and grow.
Our gardens stay cleaner and need less work because of this natural weed barrier.
“Nature’s best weed control comes from living ground covers that spread and protect.”
Living mulch from ground covers helps us cut back on chemical weed killers in our yards. The thick foliage of these plants spreads out to cover bare soil, leaving no room for unwanted weeds to take root.
This dense plant coverage means we spend less time pulling weeds and more time enjoying our beautiful gardens.
Soil erosion control
Ground covers play a vital role in protecting our soil from erosion. Their extensive root systems create a strong network that holds soil particles together, stopping them from washing away during heavy rains.
These plants grab onto slopes and hillsides, making them stable and secure. Our yards stay intact even through tough weather conditions.
Strong roots from ground cover plants dig deep into the earth to keep soil in place. This natural defense works great for bare spots and tricky areas in the garden. The dense mat of foliage shields the soil surface from rain impact and wind damage.
Next, let’s explore how ground covers help save water in your landscape.
Moisture conservation
Beyond stopping soil erosion, proper ground cover plays a vital role in moisture control. We see great results in water savings through smart ground cover choices. A thick layer of plants or mulch acts like a shield over the soil surface.
This natural barrier cuts down water loss from the soil by up to 70%. Our gardens stay moist longer, which means less watering for us.
The right ground cover creates a cool, moist environment for plant roots to thrive. Plants such as creeping thyme and ice plant excel at trapping moisture in the soil. These drought-resistant options form dense mats that block the sun’s harsh rays.
A 2-inch layer of organic mulch helps lock in moisture and reduces our water needs. This natural approach saves time and money on garden upkeep while keeping our plants healthy.
Enhanced aesthetics
Ground covers bring life and beauty to any garden space. These plants create stunning visual effects through their varied colors, textures, and forms. Our gardens sparkle with interest as ground covers fill bare spots between stepping stones and along pathways.
Creeping thyme shows off its tiny purple blooms, while ice plants display their star-shaped pink flowers in full sun areas.
“A well-planned ground cover transforms empty spaces into living art.”
Low-growing plants add depth and charm to the landscape through their layered growth patterns. We love how ground covers paint the garden with glossy foliage colors and fragrant blooms throughout the seasons.
These plants work magic in shaded areas and sunny spots alike, forming dense mats that captivate the eye. Their attractive foliage ranges from fuzzy lamb’s ear to colorful sedums, making each garden unique and visually striking.
Low-Maintenance Ground Cover Plants for Gilbert’s Environment
Let’s explore some stunning ground cover plants that thrive in Gilbert’s hot climate and need little care to keep your garden looking fresh and beautiful all year round.
Creeping Thyme
Creeping Thyme stands out as a top choice for ground cover in sunny areas. We love this hardy perennial for its ability to form dense mats of tiny, fragrant leaves and colorful flowers.
Our customers can get started with Thymus ‘Coccineus’ Red Creeping Thyme for just $18.00, making it a budget-friendly option for large spaces.
This low-growing plant thrives in full sun and creates a stunning carpet of green foliage. We’ve seen excellent results using creeping thyme between stepping stones and in garden pathways.
The plant handles foot traffic well and releases a pleasant aroma. Its dense growth stops weeds naturally, cutting down on garden maintenance time. Small pots start at $9.99, perfect for testing this ground cover in your space before expanding.
Ice Plant
Ice plants bring stunning beauty to any garden with their vibrant colors and hardy nature. We love the Delosperma ‘Jewel of Desert Garnet’ variety, which starts at $20.00 and creates a dense mat of small, succulent leaves.
This drought-resistant groundcover sparkles in full sun or partial shade areas.
Our gardening clients rave about the Fire Spinner Ice Plant, giving it 4.88 out of 5 stars for its exceptional performance. Its low-growing habit makes it perfect for filling gaps between stepping stones or covering bare spots in the landscape.
These pollinator-friendly plants withstand harsh conditions while providing a lush carpet of color throughout the growing season.
Creeping Juniper
Creeping juniper stands as one of our top picks for ground cover plants. This evergreen spreads low across the ground, reaching only 6-12 inches in height while extending up to 8 feet wide.
We love its dense growth habit that blocks weeds and prevents soil erosion on slopes. Its blue-green needles stay vibrant all year, making it perfect for xeriscaping projects.
Our clients see great success with creeping juniper in various soil types. This tough plant needs minimal care once it takes root in your garden. Its deep root system helps hold soil in place on hillsides and banks.
Next, let’s explore some practical mulch options to enhance your landscape design….
Lamb’s Ear
Lamb’s Ear stands out as a fantastic ground cover choice for our gardens. Its soft, silvery foliage feels like velvet and creates a beautiful carpet-like effect in any landscape. This perennial plant grows well in our Gilbert climate, thanks to its strong drought tolerance and minimal care needs.
We love how Lamb’s Ear thrives in both full sun and partial shade spots. Its dense growth habit helps block weeds while adding visual appeal to our garden beds. The plant does best in well-drained soil and spreads steadily to fill bare areas.
Our pollinators like bees enjoy visiting these low-growing plants during their blooming season.
Mulch Options for Low-Maintenance Landscaping
Mulch serves as a vital shield for your garden soil, offering both beauty and function in your outdoor space. We stock two main types of mulch – natural materials like bark and wood chips, plus lasting options such as gravel and river rocks – each bringing its own perks to your garden beds.
Organic mulch (bark, wood chips)
Organic materials like bark and wood chips make perfect ground covers for our gardens. These natural options help keep moisture in the soil and stop weeds from growing. Our garden beds stay healthy as bark and wood chips break down over time, adding rich nutrients to the soil.
We suggest spreading a 2-3 inch layer of bark or wood chips around plants and trees. Fresh wood chips work great for paths and play areas, while shredded bark looks nice in flower beds.
The natural colors of these materials create a clean, finished look in any landscape design. Both options last about 1-2 years before needing more material added to maintain their benefits.
Inorganic mulch (gravel, river rocks)
Gravel and river rocks stand as top choices for long-lasting ground cover in modern gardens. These materials offer excellent drainage and create clean, striking looks in any landscape design.
We love how these sustainable landscaping options need almost zero upkeep while lasting for many years. Our clients often pick these materials for their xeriscaping projects because they stay in place during strong winds and heavy rains. Additionally, these materials not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces but also contribute to environmental conservation. Many clients are drawn to the benefits of permeable paving solutions, which allow water to infiltrate the ground, reducing runoff and minimizing erosion. With such advantages, it’s no wonder that sustainable landscaping options are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners and businesses alike.
River rocks and gravel bring different textures and colors to create eye-catching garden designs. These materials work great between flagstones or as decorative borders around garden beds.
The rocks help stop weed growth and keep moisture in the soil beneath them. We suggest laying a good weed barrier under these materials to make your yard even easier to maintain.
Conclusion
Ground covers and mulch create stunning landscapes while saving time and effort. Smart plant choices like Creeping Thyme and Ice Plant bring color and texture to any garden space. These low-maintenance options protect soil, block weeds, and keep moisture where plants need it most.
Your yard can stay beautiful year-round with the right mix of plants and mulch materials.
FAQs:
Popular choices include phlox, germander, veronica, and bugleweed. These perennial ground covers need minimal maintenance once established and form dense coverage. Thymus serpyllum (creeping thyme) works exceptionally well for areas prone to foot traffic.
Yes! Many ground covers thrive in shade. Cornus canadensis and certain types of clover adapt well to shady spots. These plants add interest while requiring little care, making them perfect for underplanting near larger plants.
Pick based on your garden’s needs. Consider factors like:
– Growing habits
– Required maintenance
– Color range
– How fast they spread
– Whether you want edible options
Look at nearby plants and overall health of your garden before deciding.
Yes! Many ornamental plants like veronica and certain herbs attract butterflies. Clover and other flowering ground covers bring beneficial insects to your garden, helping its ecosystem.
Most ground covers need:
– Regular drip watering when young
– Light pruning to control spread
– Minimal maintenance once established
– Small amount of mulch for protection
These plants usually form a dense turf that blocks weeds.
Yes! Mixing low-growing ground covers creates interesting patterns and textures. Try combining fast-growing options with slower ones. Just make sure they have similar water and sun needs for the best results.
Greener Grass is Just a Call Away
You don’t have to settle for a dull, unhealthy lawn! Phoenix Pro Landscaping provides expert lawn care services in Deer Valley, AZ, ensuring your yard stays green, lush, and beautiful all year long. Call 480-717-4943 today and let’s create a lawn you’ll love coming home to!