Ground covers keep soil cool
Summer heat can cause surface roots to dry out and die off. The best way to prevent this is to apply a layer of mulch over the top of the soil.
When we use the word mulch, we conjure up images of shredded bark waste, pea straw and even coloured pebbles. We seldom think of nature’s own living mulches: the low growing plants that spread over the soil. These not only do a good job of retaining moisture, keeping soil cool and preventing weed growth, they add an attractive layer of plants to the garden.
Before deciding to use ground covers, spend some time choosing the right plants for the job. Aspect is important. For example, is the ground cover going to be growing under large trees? If so, it will need to be shade tolerant and will also have to cope with competition from the tree roots. Getting the right look is also something to consider. For example, native ground covers will complement a largely native garden but may look odd growing amongst flowery cottage plants.
Prepare the site thoroughly before planting, paying particular attention to weed control. It will be much more difficult to remove weeds once the ground cover plants are in place. Use non-residual weedkillers like Roundup or Zero to treat existing weeds, and wait until they have died before planting.
Dig organic matter into the soil before planting and mix in some pre-planting fertiliser such as Dynamic Lifter or Yates Blood & Bone. These won’t burn young roots and are suitable for all plants.
Here are some ground cover suggestions for various situations:
For shady spots – Ajuga, bugle flower (pictured), sends out underground runners that help the plants to cover the soil relatively quickly. In cool climates heucheras, tiarellas, lungwort (Pulmonaria) and hostas do particularly well. Hostas are almost irresistible to snails so prevent these pests from holing the foliage by judiciously sprinkling Baysol or Blitzem pellets.
For dry, sunny areas choose plants that have hairy or hard leaves that can resist the heat. Gazanias, creeping thyme and cerastium are good examples.
Native ground covers – Ground hugging forms of coprosma and hebes are suitable in a range of situations but one of the most beautiful native ground covers is Fuchsia procumbens which does well in coastal gardens.
Clumping ground covers – Clumping plants spread more slowly than running plants but are very hardy. Lomandras, libertia, dianellas, day lilies and liriope are good examples.
Climbers as ground covers – Many climbing plants such as star jasmine and muehlenbeckia will act as ground covers as long as they’re kept well away from potential supports such as trees, fences and other uprights.
Comments (3)
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Cheng
Yates site member
12:21, 08 February 2012
Am new to NZ flora as I've chosen to make NZ my home after coming from a non-gardening environment. Love to learn more about name - pics of plants which you suggest we plant each month. To help newbies like me and many others, would it be possible to show picture some of the plants you recommend for planting. Eg. Oleander - what does it look like? Many thanks.
Catherine
Yates site member
18:47, 08 February 2012
What Cheng said. I am new to gardening and have no idea what these wonderful-sounding plants look like. It would be great if you could include small pics of each. Thank you!
Bill
Yates site member
06:44, 09 February 2012
It is very easy to copy the name of a plant into google and go to the "images for" link to see dozens of examples.
Anne
Yates site member
09:24, 10 February 2012
Just seen spreading geraniums as ground cover in a garde, attractive and covered the ground well
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