Uncover ground cover truths

Though mostly used as fillers at places where other greens don't grow, these humble plants do a good job of adding elegance to a backyard

Wandering aimlessly through the garden centre the other day, I came across a section called Ground Covers. The plant benches were full of the usual suspects: vinca, pachysandra, liriope, creeping euonymous and ivy, among others.

Nothing unexpected, nothing terribly interesting, reflecting the common perception that ground covers are merely default plantings intended to fill voids, chosen not for love but for necessity to grow where the lawn won't- under trees and on slopes.

Under that doctrine, the actual plant choices typically have been as limited as their utilitarian mission.

Another view
Horticulturists, however, have a much broader idea of what constitutes a ground cover, an outlook that begins by rejecting the idea that such plants must be evergreen and less than, say, 18 inches high.

Not all perennials, shrubs or ornamental grasses lend themselves to use as a ground cover, but a lot of them do, and by planting them in bold juxtaposition, you can make landscapes that are soothing and engaging at the same time.

This has to be done, however, without forgetting the basic functions of ground covers, which is to grow where other plants won't and thus prevent soil erosion and weeds, and to provide some visual relief from the more exalted specimens in the garden.

By definition, you need relatively large quantities of these plants, and the impatient gardener can spend too much on them as a result. To save costs, buy in the smallest containers available and enrich the soil with compost and other organic goodies.

If the plant label has instructions to space the perennials 12 to 15 inches apart, go for the loose end of the range. Mulch lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds and water and hand weed as needed.

David MacKenzie, author of Perennial Ground Covers, offers sound rules for their use:

Ground cover, in this broad sense, is the glue that holds my own garden together.

In areas where tree root competition is not a problem, I have used hostas, specifically two varieties in separate areas, both fairly common and without the premium prices that accompany fancy varieties.

One is Krossa Regal, which is a big plant with blue-green leaves. It occupies a large area under a deciduous magnolia. Closer to the house, I have planted Royal Standard beneath a stewartia tree.

Coming roses
The world has awoken to Lenten roses, or hellebores with good reason. This is an evergreen perennial with flowers in late winter but big and attractive dark green leaves throughout the year.

It does best in partial shade and rich soil, where seedlings may even become a problem, but it will also grow in the dry shade beneath trees.

In the worst part of an embankment, where hot sun and dry soil conspire together, I planted a variegated dead nettle. and it has thrived. And i have consigned the English ivy to the old garden books.