Consider ground cover

If you have a less-traveled area in your yard where grass just won’t do and other plants have a hard time thriving, then perhaps you should consider something that’s still soft and green, but more of a walk-

able ground cover.

With a little planning, ground covers are easy to add to the landscape.

Start by evaluating your space for sun and shade.

Pay attention to how wet the soil is and if it’s dry, figure out if you can easily water it or if it’s best to leave it dry. Also note how much foot traffic the area actually gets from people and pets.

Next, pick the right plant.

Given the conditions you found, do some research on ground covers that fit your space. Some plants will tolerate a moderate amount of traffic and others won’t. Be sure to check the hardiness ratings, it would be nice to have a ground

cover that doesn’t die with the first frost.

And have some alternatives on your list just in case you can’t find your first choice.

Two or three weeks before you plant, prepare your space. Amend the soil with any necessary compost or grit as required. Water the area well and then pull any weeds that pop up.

While you are waiting for the weeds to come up, purchase or order your plants.

To determine how many plants you need, measure the area and then divide it by the spacing suggested on the plant label. If the plant is in limited supply, buy a little extra just in case.

Plant at the same depth as the soil line is in its greenhouse pot. Most ground covers can be divided with a sharp knife into smaller pieces and slipped into tight places. Tamp each plant in gently to settle the soil. Water well, but gently, after planting.

Continue watering until plants are established. Fertilize those that need it with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer. Remove weeds. Keep them neat by mowing or edging.

What to plant

Heavy traffic areas – Creeping thymes. A dozen different varieties are available. Thyme forms a dense, moderately spreading mat. Prefers sun and are fairly drought-tolerant.

Irish and Scotch moss, Sagina subulata. Irish moss is dark green while Scotch moss is a yellow green; both are moderate growers that form a dense, soft mat. Prefer sun, with some afternoon shade in a moist soil.

Moderate traffic areas – Creeping Jenny or Lysimachia nummularia forms a mat by runners. Prefers partial shade with moist soil, but will tolerate harsher growing conditions, even full sun if it gets enough water.

Mazus forms a bright green, low-growing mat with small leaves that spreads quickly. It blooms in June and July with pale, lavender flowers, and it likes full sun to part shade and moderate water.

Mat-forming veronicas do well in dry places with some afternoon shade. They bloom in the early spring with small purple or white flowers that completely cover the plant.

Light traffic areas – Ground cover sedums are tough and can take hot, sunny sites with little water. With the right conditions, they will spread rapidly.

Delosperma, or ice plant, is a tight, mat-forming succulent that loves hot, dry, sunny locations. Blooms in early summer in yellow, dark and light pink, and pale apricot flowers, with late summer re-bloom possible.