Are you looking for a way to make the edges of your garden beds stand out? Do you want to add color and texture to your borders without high maintenance? If you're new to gardening or you want to enhance your existing garden, an introduction to groundcovers for borders is the perfect start. In this article, we'll help you understand what groundcovers are, why they are important, and which ones are best for your borders.
What are Groundcovers?
A groundcover is a low-growing plant that spreads to form a dense layer of leaves, stems, and flowers. They are typically used to cover large areas of the ground, suppress weeds, and reduce erosion. They require little maintenance, are drought-tolerant, and are often used to reduce water usage and provide wildlife habitats. They come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them ideal for borders.
Why are Groundcovers Important?
Groundcovers provide multiple benefits that make them important in any garden. Firstly, they enhance the look of your garden by adding color, texture, and contrast. They also help reduce the amount of time you spend watering, weeding, and mulching. Groundcovers act as a natural mulch, helping to keep moisture in the soil and suppress weed growth. Finally, groundcovers also provide a habitat for beneficial insects and wildlife.
Best Groundcovers for Borders
Choosing the right groundcovers for your border depends on several factors, including the amount of sunlight the area receives, soil type, climate, and the look you want to achieve. In the next section, we'll take a closer look at some of the best groundcovers for borders.
Benefits of Using Groundcovers for Borders
While it may be tempting to stick to more traditional border plants like shrubs or perennials, adding groundcovers to your garden borders can provide several benefits. Here are some advantages of using groundcovers as border plants:
- Low Maintenance: Groundcovers are known for being low maintenance since they require little to no pruning, and they are usually drought tolerant. They have extensive root systems that help to minimize soil erosion, and as such, they require little to no fertilizer. They also help to suppress weeds, which reduces the need for weeding.
- Attractive: Groundcovers are available in a wide variety of leaf colors, textures, and shapes. They can be used to provide a uniform backdrop to other garden plants or to provide a striking contrast. They can also be used to create a stunning display of flowers that attracts pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.
- Cost-Effective: Groundcovers are generally less expensive than other border plants, such as shrubs or perennials. This is because most groundcovers have a fast growth rate and can quickly spread across the ground to provide full coverage. As such, you will require less groundcovers to cover a border than you would other plants, thus saving you money.
- Erosion Control: Erosion is a significant problem in gardens that have steep slopes or areas prone to heavy rainfall. Groundcovers help to control soil erosion by covering the ground and holding the soil in place. They have extensive root systems that improve soil structure and help to prevent soil compaction.
- Sustainability: Groundcovers are sustainable and environmentally friendly. They help to reduce the amount of lawn area present in a garden, which reduces the need for lawn maintenance, such as mowing. They also help to reduce water usage since they require less water than a conventional lawn.
Considering the above benefits of using groundcovers for borders, it is a wise choice to incorporate them in your garden.
Top 3 Groundcovers for Sun-Drenched Borders
If you have a border that is exposed to lots of sunlight, it can be a challenge to find groundcovers that thrive in those conditions. Here are three top groundcovers that are perfect for sun-drenched borders:
- Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) : This beautiful groundcover produces a dense mat of needle-like leaves that is covered in spring with a profusion of delicate pink, lavender, white, or red flowers. This sun-loving plant is easy to grow, low-maintenance, and drought-resistant. Creeping phlox also provides good erosion control and helps suppress weed growth.
- Periwinkle (Vinca minor): Known for its beautiful blue flowers, periwinkle is an excellent groundcover for sunny borders. It grows well in most soil types and can tolerate drought and heat. Periwinkle also makes an excellent erosion controller and a groundcover for steep slopes. It spreads quickly and is easy to propagate.
- Sedum (Sedum sp.): If you're looking for a tough, drought-tolerant groundcover for your sun-drenched border, sedum might be the perfect choice. This perennial plant is succulent, which means it stores water in its leaves, making it ideal for dry conditions. It also produces small, colorful, star-shaped flowers in late summer or early fall. Sedum comes in various types and colors, so you can choose the one that suits your garden best.
With these three top groundcovers, you can create a beautiful sun-drenched border that stays green and healthy throughout the growing season. Remember to choose plants that are adapted to your particular climate and soil type, and you should have no trouble creating a stunning garden that will be the envy of your neighbors.
Top 3 Groundcovers for Shaded Borders
Shaded borders can be a tricky area to fill with plants as the lack of sunlight limits the variety of plants that can survive in these areas. However, groundcovers can be an excellent option for shaded borders as they require less sunlight and can provide a lush, low-growing cover for the ground. Here are the top 3 groundcovers to consider for shaded borders:
- Creeping Jenny: If you're looking for a bright pop of color in your shaded border, consider creeping jenny. This groundcover has vibrant yellow-green leaves that will brighten up any dark corner. Creeping Jenny is also easy to grow and maintain, making it a great option for novice gardeners.
- Bugleweed: Bugleweed is a low-growing plant that produces spikes of blue-purple flowers in the spring. This groundcover also has attractive, glossy foliage that looks great year-round. Bugleweed is a hardy plant that does well in shaded areas, and it can even thrive in damp soil.
- Hosta: Hostas are one of the most popular groundcovers for shaded areas, and for good reason. These plants have lush, dense foliage that comes in a variety of colors and textures. Hostas also produce tall spikes of flowers in the summer, which add some height and interest to your border. These plants are low-maintenance, making them a great option for busy gardeners.
No matter which groundcover you choose for your shaded border, be sure to space them appropriately to allow for growth and choose varieties that are suited to the specific amount of shade in your space. With a little attention and care, your shaded border can be a beautiful, flourishing garden space.
Low-Maintenance Groundcovers for Borders
Groundcovers are beautiful and functional garden plants that can add texture, color, and interest to borders. In addition to these aesthetic benefits, they can also act as natural weed barriers and keep the soil moist. But not all groundcovers are created equal, and some require more maintenance than others. For those wanting a low-maintenance option, here are some groundcovers to consider:
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Creeping Thyme - Creeping Thyme is a popular groundcover for borders, and it is easy to see why. This Mediterranean native is drought-tolerant and boasts tiny, fragrant leaves that release a pleasant aroma when crushed. It requires full sun and well-draining soil. Once established, creeping thyme does not require frequent watering or fertilization. It also has beautiful purple or pink flowers in the summer.
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Periwinkle - Periwinkle, or Vinca minor, is a perennial groundcover that thrives in partial shade to full sun. It is also drought-tolerant and has attractive blue or white flowers that bloom in the spring. Periwinkle spreads quickly and forms a dense mat, making it excellent as a natural weed suppressor. It also grows well in various soil types and requires minimal maintenance once established.
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Japanese Spurge - Pachysandra terminalis, or Japanese Spurge, is an excellent low-growing groundcover for borders. It grows well in partial to full shade and has glossy evergreen leaves that retain their color all year round. Japanese Spurge is drought-tolerant and is an excellent choice for borders along walkways or paths due to its dense matting habits. Furthermore, it does not require frequent watering or pruning.
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Sedum - Sedums are diverse groundcovers that come in various colors, shapes, and sizes. They require full sun and well-draining soil and can thrive in minimal moisture conditions. Once established, sedums can go for weeks without water. Sedums are easy to care for and require pruning once a year to maintain shape.
There are many groundcovers to choose from when designing your border, and it's essential to consider their maintenance requirements. Groundcovers can save you time, money, and headaches on weeding and watering if the proper choices are made.
Tips for Choosing and Planting Groundcovers for Borders
Groundcovers are an excellent option for adding a touch of greenery and color to garden borders. Not only do they help prevent soil erosion, but they also help to choke out weed growth and require little maintenance. Here are some helpful tips to consider when choosing and planting groundcovers for borders:
- Consider the amount of light and moisture in the area: Before choosing a groundcover, consider the amount of light and moisture in the area where you plan to plant. Some groundcovers require more sunlight and drier soil, while others prefer shade and moist soil. Knowing these conditions will help you select a groundcover that will thrive in the area.
- Choose a groundcover that complements the surrounding plants: The groundcover you choose should complement the surrounding plants in terms of color, texture, and growth habit. For example, if your surrounding plants have large leaves, consider a groundcover with small foliage.
- Plant groundcovers in large drifts: To create a cohesive look, consider planting groundcovers in large drifts or clusters rather than scattering them randomly. This will also help to prevent weeds from growing in between the plants.
- Prepare the soil before planting: Before planting, prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris and tilling the ground to loosen it up. Incorporate organic matter such as compost or leaf mold to improve soil fertility and drainage.
- Consider using edging: To keep groundcovers contained within the border, consider using edging such as stone or plastic. This will help prevent the groundcovers from spreading into unwanted areas and keep them looking tidy.
- Water regularly: Although groundcovers are low maintenance, they do require regular watering, especially during the first few months after planting. Water deeply once a week rather than shallowly every day to encourage deep root growth.
- Mulch around the plants: Mulching around the groundcovers will help to retain moisture in the soil and prevent weed growth. Use a layer of organic mulch such as shredded bark or leaves to a depth of 2-3 inches.
- Prune as needed: To keep your groundcovers looking tidy and prevent them from becoming too leggy, prune them as needed. Use shears to trim back any overgrown shoots or remove any dead or diseased foliage.
Following these tips will help you choose and plant groundcovers that will thrive in your garden borders, adding beauty and interest for years to come.
