Ah, summer weekends. What to do? Buckle up the bike helmet, lace up the running shoes, or—sigh—fire up the lawnmower? A headline in The Washington Post describes lawn care as a “soul-crushing timesuck.” If that’s your take on turf, consider replacing at least some of your labor-intensive lawn with an easy-care ground cover.
Ivy is perhaps the most recognizable ground cover, but many others are great for St. Louis yards, says Abby Elliott, owner of Sugar Creek Gardens. “Wild ginger is a great Missouri native plant. It’s very versatile, doing well in shade as well as wet soil. It’s a little slow to get started, but once it’s established you’ll have a dense weed-blocking mat.”
In her own back yard, which is completely lawn-free, Elliot has one area planted with Roman chamomile, a low-growing evergreen perennial that forms an aromatic mat. “What I like about it is, it’s mostly evergreen and easy to walk on,” she says. “You can’t play soccer on it, but you can walk across it with no problem.” Elliot also likes Green Sheen pachysandra as a good substitute for ivy. “It’s good for large-scale use and has a pretty evergreen color with dark, glossy leaves. Unlike ivy, it’s nice because it doesn’t send out runners, so it won’t take over the side of your house.”
Ground covers, like any plant, will only flourish if they are planted in good soil that’s been properly amended with organic matter. Horticulturist Chris Wagner of Rolling Ridge Nursery says that neglecting this important step is a common mistake. “We see a lot of that. You can’t just dig a hole and stuff a plant in the ground.” Young plants struggle to establish themselves in St. Louis’ heavy clay soil, he explains. “It’s possible that a ground cover might grow in clay soil, but it will do much better if the soil is amended so it can establish a strong root system.” Compost is an environmentally friendly and economical choice. “The real key is to get it worked into the soil, maybe 4 to 6 inches deep. Get that ground as loose and rich as you can.”
One of Wagner’s favorite alternatives to ivy is lysimachia, more commonly known as creeping jenny. “It’s often sold as a filler for container arrangements because of its bright chartreuse foliage, but it also makes a great ground cover,” he says. Another favorite is mazus, a flowering ground cover that is especially attractive planted between stones.
Pretty Pathways
A garden path can be the most tempting of invitations, offering exploration and providing access for plant maintenance.
Some tips for creating the perfect path:
1. A winding garden path is more appealing than a straight line. (Use garden hoses to plan the layout.)
2. Path material depends on the style of your garden, your budget, and how much time you have for maintenance. Gravel or crushed stone is a classic, budget-friendly choice that is easy to maintain.
3. Pea gravel has rounded edges and is uniform in size. Though it drains quickly and stays clean, it moves underfoot. If you like the look, choose angular stones that lock together for a more stable walking surface.
