Ground Cover That Will Take Over Grass

Creeping phlox is a classic perennial ground cover that s hardy in zones 3 9.

Ground cover that will take over grass. Ground cover plants certainly need not be limited to grass. Creeping thyme also known as mother of thyme or wild thyme is a creeping woody stemmed perennial that is a favorite plant to use for a low maintenance ground cover serving as a filler between garden stepping stones. Growing only about 3 inches tall this plant spreads over time crowding out weeds and thus reducing maintenance further. Ground cover plants offer a low maintenance alternative to the carpets of lawn to which we have become accustomed.

Yet grass replacements are widely sought for a number of reasons not least among them the fact that some low growing plants can survive with much less water and require no mowing. Stonecrop lives up to its name living happily in dry rocky spaces. Planted in groupings it makes a lovely ground cover. Will oregano and sweet woodruff eventually spread and take over the grass in a few years my fervent wish.

Lay a garden hose or string out on top of the grass outlining the perimeter of the area you wish to convert to ground cover. Cover the landscape fabric with about 2 to 3 inches of mulch to improve the appearance and to protect the fabric from the sun since sun damage can shorten the life of the fabric. Sure you may still have some weed issues but once the ground cover takes over most weeds won t survive. Do you have a slope that s hard to mow.

The very definition of ground cover from a landscaping perspective is a low growing low maintenance perennial spreading plant that keeps the ground from being bare. Need an alternative to grass under a shady tree. Dorling kindersley getty images grass is a great ground cover. Ferns come in an array of shapes sizes and colors.

A ground cover can look lush in all sorts of weather and often requires far less watering than a standard lawn. The dense matting of roots that these hardy little plants put down choke out other growth. Read about the best flowering ground covers for your unique property here on gardener s path. Hundreds of plants can be used as ground cover including vines grasses plants with spectacular blooms even low growing shrubs and they re perennial meaning they come back every year from their.

For shady moist spots try phlox stolonifera for weed suppression. Although it looks delicate phlox is extremely rugged and it grows easily in shaded and full sun areas. You can push the.