Ground Covers in the Landscape

The Emerald Carpet Manzanita is beautiful ground cover that is native to California forests and makes great ground cover in the landscape for homes and businesses near Lodi California.

The former Professor of Ornamental Horticulture at Merritt College in Oakland, CA. Emille Labadie was known as an authority in horticulture. He studied at universities Of California in Berkeley, and Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo, And the University of California at Davis Where he received his Ms. in Landscape horticulture. Emile Has a reputation. Of responsible horticulture practices. In his book. Titled Ground Covers in the Landscape. He offers Some Good advice About. Using ground cover plants for landscaping. 

On page 4. He states.” Perhaps the ideal ground cover is turf grass. If it is managed properly. Mode at the correct height. Depending on the genus and species. Fertilized regularly and watered systematically. It may form a green carpet, very pleasing to the eye.

Grass However, is a high maintenance type of landscaping. And even though it is usually more tolerant to traffic than other plants. Still, something may be desired that requires less effort to maintain.

Low growing plants other than grass may be an alternative. Plants that grow up to a height of from several inches to three feet and that spread over the soil area are considered to be ground covers. Certain ones that may reach a greater height but that have a spreading effect might still be placed in the ground cover category.

Some of these plants may furnish color other than just green. The foliage itself may be variegated. Some may have very distinct flowers, and some may have colorful fruit. Some may have all of these characteristics.

Ground covers may have very different habits. Some may be prostrate on the soil area. Others may be upright. Some may be sprawling. Whatever the habit. These plants can be used to create various pleasant effects in the landscape.

Before using any plant in the landscape. One should be aware of the plant characteristics. How rapidly is it going to spread? How long will it last before having to be replaced? What problems is it going to present? Is it going to be too aggressive and or invasive? Is it a plant that attracts bees? Is it a common host for insects and diseases? Answers to all of these questions should be available before planting.

It should be noted also that certain ground covers. As Ivy and star Jasmine, for example, provide refuge for rodents such as mice and rats. These creatures can easily move out from their cover to forage on choice nearby plants or, they may even work their way into an adjacent residence or other structure.

Ground covers can perform an important function in any landscape.They should be chosen carefully so that they do not become a maintenance nightmare.If a plant is described as being widespread, aggressive and invasive.Be sure that it fits your particular need before you plant it.Some of the groundcovers should not be placed into the landscape unless they are contained areas such as parking strips or concrete boxes. 

Proper soil preparation is Very a important Function in any landscape. The type of soil, the structure, the drainage, all may affect the ultimate success or failure of any particular planting. Most soils can be improved with the addition of soil amendments. These can be. Incorporated into the soil to improve the structure. Organic matter of all kinds usually can be used. This would include. Compost, leaf mold, peat Moss, and sawdust. An excess of organics might require the addition of nitrogen.”

This book also has a great list of different species of plants to use in landscaping ground cover plantings. The book is mostly a scientific description of the plants with Illustrations by Jane S. Andrews.