These Plants Able To Cover Some Ground

Groundcovers are short, sprawling plants are used to mask the soil. In most cases, turf is the groundcover of choice, but let’s look at a few other interesting specimens - those with a bit more character than grass.

Deep in the dappled shade among my rhododendrons is a delightful carpet of sweet woodruff. The name certainly fits this delicate plant. Clusters of tiny, fragrant white flowers blossom among small whorls of narrow leaves.

Like its companions, the rhododendrons, it prefers an acid soil and plenty of moisture. However, I have found sweet woodruff will acclimate quite well in a slightly acidic soil that is moderately dry due to root competition from a number of well-established trees.

A few yards away from this cozy grove is truly a groundcover that’s out of place. Growing in the blistering sun along the shoulder of a barren, gravel driveway is the shade giant and moisture-loving vinca minor. Obviously it, too, has a tendency to acclimate to most any condition.

This evergreen beauty not only blooms a traditional blue in spring, but if you search, you may also find it with white or pink blossoms. Its trailing stems take root as they spread, making it an excellent cover for steep banks.

The only drawback to this specimen is that it can be invasive. Regular pruning seems to help keep it in line.

If you’re looking for a thick, matted groundcover that tolerates drought and adores full sun, creeping Jennie might just be the ticket. Warning: Though it strangles out most weeds, it seems to harbor grass. It can become quite invasive, growing into shrubs and the lawn. If you don’t mind digging and spraying now and then, this flat, yellow-green leafed plant with bright, yellow flowers may be the cover you’ve been searching for. This easily grown plant will also tolerate shade.

Growing down the wall, across the driveway and over the lawn (choking it out along its merry rampage) is the evergreen, ever-lovely ivy.

Once it takes root, virtually nothing seems to stop it except a winter of bitter cold winds or below-zero temperatures. Even then, it may be only the leaves that are affected.

By late spring, the brown stringy stems are usually thick with shiny green leaves. Of course, this is not to say some winters won’t kill out the entire plant. It does happen.

Though ivy needs to be tamed with constant pruning, it’s worth it. Without it, we wouldn’t have romantic ivy covered-walls or Ivy League schools. Or, as in my case, the ability to hide an ugly, brick retaining wall that absolutely had to be hidden.

Water gardens and rustic garden paths wouldn’t be complete without a touch of moss. The moss I am referring to is the domesticated type - lush, green mounds of Irish moss … or if you prefer a hint of yellow, Scotch moss. Both grow into low, elegant, thick mat. They quickly fill in around rocks and between stepping stones. They truly finish off the shady, featured areas with a touch of class.

There may be one slight drawback: Moss reseeds freely. Both mosses send up bouquets of tiny white flowers. If the flowers are sheared before setting seed, much of the reseeding problem can be eliminated.

Obviously moss is best in the moister areas, but how about the rustic paths and patios in the drier, hotter areas? Welcome thymes. Not only do they look great among stepping stones, but they’re aromatic when walked on. Mother-of-thyme is green with purple flowers, while woolly thyme is gray with pale purple flowers. They are quick to fill in and are wonderful for those areas that are hot and dry.

Groundcovers are used for many practical reasons - perhaps the grass doesn’t grow well in a particular area; perhaps it takes too much effort to maintain it, or maybe an area simply needs a little something. For whatever reason, groundcovers add a sense of charm, texture and color to our gardens.

Reminder: The Federated Garden Clubs will host their annual flower show and seminars Saturday and Sunday at Center Pointe, 1408 N. Washington. Saturday seminars run from 12:30 to 7 p.m.; Sunday workshops run 10 a.m to 4 p.m. Admission (which also gets you into the workshops) is $3. For more information, call 535-5187.

Phyllis Stephens is a local horticulturist and landscape designer.

, DataTimes The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Phyllis Stephens The Spokesman-Review