Introduction to Groundcovers for Edging
Are you tired of having to constantly trim your lawn edges? Looking for a low-maintenance solution for your landscaping needs? Look no further than groundcovers for edging! Groundcovers provide a low-profile solution to your edging woes, reducing the need for constant trimming and increasing the aesthetic value of your lawn. In this article, we will discuss the best groundcovers for edging and how to choose the right one for your landscaping needs.
Choosing the right groundcover for edging
When choosing a groundcover for edging, there are several factors to consider. First, it's important to choose a groundcover that is low-growing and can withstand foot traffic. This will ensure that your edging remains neat and tidy without getting trampled. Additionally, you'll want to choose a groundcover that is easy to maintain and requires minimal water and fertilizer.
It's also important to consider the amount of sunlight and soil type in your lawn. Some groundcovers require full sun, while others thrive in shaded areas. Similarly, certain groundcovers prefer well-draining soil, while others grow well in moist soil. Taking these factors into account will help you choose the right groundcover for your specific landscaping needs.
Baby's tears
Baby's tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) is a low-growing groundcover that is perfect for edging. This lush, emerald green plant spreads quickly, forming a dense mat that can withstand moderate foot traffic. Baby's tears prefer shaded areas and moist, well-drained soil. They are easy to maintain and require minimal watering and fertilizing. Additionally, Baby's tears are non-invasive, making them a great choice for landscaping projects.
Creeping thyme
Creeping thyme (Thymus praecox) is another excellent choice for edging. This hardy groundcover is low-growing and tolerates light foot traffic, making it a great option for borders and pathways. Creeping thyme prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It is also drought-tolerant, making it a low-maintenance choice for your landscaping needs.
Sweet alyssum
Sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima) is a delicate groundcover that is perfect for edging flower beds and other garden areas. This low-growing plant produces colorful, fragrant blooms in shades of pink, purple, and white. Sweet alyssum prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It is also drought-tolerant and easy to maintain, making it a great choice for busy gardeners.
Overall, choosing the right groundcover for edging can help reduce the amount of maintenance required in your landscaping, while also enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of your lawn. Whether you opt for Baby's tears, creeping thyme, sweet alyssum, or another low-growing groundcover, you're sure to love the results!
Criteria for Choosing the Best Groundcovers for Edging
When choosing the best groundcovers for edging, there are several important criteria to keep in mind. These criteria will ensure that you choose the right plants for your needs and will help you create a stunning and low-maintenance garden edging.
- Height: The height of the groundcovers is an important factor to consider when creating an edging. You want the plants to be short enough to create a clear line between the lawn and garden, but tall enough to be visible and make an impact. Look for plants that grow to a height of 6 inches or less or can be easily maintained at that height.
- Spread: The way a plant spreads is also a crucial factor to consider when creating an edging. Some groundcovers can spread quickly and become invasive, while others stay in place and form a tight edge. Make sure to choose plants that have moderate to slow spreading rates and are not invasive.
- Foliage: The foliage of the groundcovers is also an essential consideration. You want the plants to have attractive foliage that can add texture and color to your garden. Look for groundcovers with different textures, such as fine or coarse leaves, and a variety of colors, such as green, silver, or variegated.
- Drought Tolerance: The groundcovers should also be drought-tolerant to reduce the need for watering and maintenance. Look for plants that are native to your area or have proven to be drought-resistant in your climate zone.
- Sun and Shade Exposure: The amount of sun and shade in your garden will also determine the type of groundcovers you choose. Some plants thrive in sun-drenched areas, while others prefer partial or full shade. Make sure to select groundcovers that are suitable for the sun and shade exposure in your garden.
- Maintenance: Finally, consider the maintenance requirements of the groundcovers. Ideally, you want plants that are low maintenance and do not require frequent pruning or fertilization. Choose plants that are disease and pest-resistant and can thrive without a lot of attention.
By considering these criteria, you can choose the best groundcovers for edging that will not only create a beautiful border but will also require minimal effort to maintain. With the right plants, you can create a stunning and low-maintenance garden that will impress visitors and make you proud.
Top 3 Groundcovers for Edging in Sunny Areas
When it comes to sunny areas, you want groundcovers that can thrive in those conditions. Here are three options that will not only handle the sun but also look great as an edging:
- Creeping Thyme: This hardy plant is a great groundcover for edging. It creates a thick mat of foliage that suppresses weeds, and its tiny flowers in various shades of pink, lavender, and white bloom in the summer. Creeping thyme also has a pleasant scent and is drought-tolerant, making it a low-maintenance option.
- Ice Plant: For a stunning border that's sure to turn heads, consider the Ice Plant. The succulent foliage creates a striking contrast against the bright, daisy-like flowers that come in shades of pink, purple, yellow, orange, and white. Ice plant is also drought-tolerant, but be sure to provide good drainage.
- Blue Star Creeper: This low-growing plant produces tiny blue flowers that resemble stars. It's a good choice if you want to create a dense, carpet-like effect. Blue Star Creeper is also versatile and can tolerate different soil types and some foot traffic.
When selecting your groundcover for edging, it's important to consider how it will fit in with your larger garden design. Think about color, texture, and size, and choose plants that will complement your other plantings. By selecting the right groundcover for your garden, you will not only add beauty and interest but also create a functional and low-maintenance landscape that you can enjoy for years to come.
Top 3 Groundcovers for Edging in Shady Areas
Shady areas can present a challenge for finding suitable groundcovers for edging. However, there are a few great options to consider:
- Sweet Woodruff: This low growing plant is perfect for shady spots underneath trees or along a border. The leaves grow in whorls, and the plant blooms tiny white flowers in late spring. It is easy to maintain and spreads easily, making it an excellent choice for edging.
- Lily of the Valley: This delicate and fragrant plant is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to a shady area. It is easy to grow and thrives in moist soil. The plant spreads quickly, making it an excellent groundcover for edging paths or along borders. The iconic drooping white or pink bell-shaped flowers bloom in late spring or early summer.
- Corsican Mint: This lovely groundcover will not only add gorgeous greenery to your shaded areas, but it will also emit a breath-taking scent of mint. The plant produces masses of tiny leaves that come in shades of deep green. In the summer, it blooms with tiny purple flowers. Corsican Mint is perfect for creating a lush green carpet at the feet of larger plants or edging borders.
These groundcovers are low-maintenance and easy to grow. They will provide an elegant finish to your garden while also being functional. Don't let the shade discourage you from creating an attractive and unique garden. These plant options guarantee to thrive in shady conditions and enhance the overall look of your garden.
Maintenance Tips for Groundcovers Used as Edging
Groundcovers used as edging serve a dual purpose in landscape design. They not only add ornamental value but also protect soil from erosion and suppress weeds. However, to ensure that your groundcovers stay healthy, you’ll need to provide them with proper care. Here’s what you need to know:
Watering:
Groundcovers require adequate watering, especially during their first year of growth. When establishing new plants, it’s essential to water them frequently until they establish a deep root system capable of obtaining moisture from deeper soil layers. During the growing season, make sure to water your groundcovers once or twice a week to promote healthy foliage growth.
Fertilizing:
Most groundcovers don’t require frequent fertilizing. However, applying slow-release granular fertilizer to the soil once a year can help promote healthy growth and keep your edging looking lush.
Pruning:
Keeping your groundcovers in good shape requires regular pruning. Generally, you should prune the plants after the primary growth phase to encourage denser growth. Likewise, removing spent flowers or yellowing leaves can help prevent disease and encourages new foliage growth.
Weeding:
While groundcovers do an excellent job suppressing weeds, no plant is perfect. Therefore, it’s essential to keep an eye on your groundcovers and remove any unwanted growth before they develop into a bigger problem.
Mulching:
Adding a layer of organic matter around your groundcovers can help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth. Organic mulch options include wood chips, leaves, pine needles, or straw. The optimal layer depth for mulch is around two to three inches deep.
Proper care and maintenance of groundcovers used as edging can help you create a beautiful and functional landscape that you can be proud of. Follow these five maintenance tips, and your groundcovers will thrive, providing you with a practical border and a beautiful backdrop for any garden bed.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Groundcovers for Edging
Choosing the best groundcovers for edging is important not just for aesthetic reasons but also for practicality. A well-placed groundcover can help prevent erosion, control weed growth, and reduce maintenance time. With so many options available, it can be difficult to choose just one.
When selecting a groundcover, consider the specific conditions of your landscape. Is it in full sun or shade? Is the soil dry or moist? Do you want a low-growing or taller option? Answering these questions will help narrow down your options.
Some of our top picks for groundcovers include creeping phlox, ajuga, sweet woodruff, and sedum. Creeping phlox is a low-maintenance option that produces beautiful, colorful flowers in the spring. Ajuga is also low-growing and provides excellent ground coverage, especially in shady areas. Sweet woodruff creates a fragrant groundcover that can handle moist soil. Sedum is a succulent that comes in a variety of colors and can handle a range of growing conditions.
It is important to remember that some groundcovers can become invasive if not properly maintained. Be mindful of their growth habits and take steps to keep them contained if necessary.
Ultimately, the best groundcover for edging will depend on your unique landscaping needs. Experiment with different options until you find the perfect fit for your space. With a little bit of planning and care, a well-chosen groundcover can provide a beautiful and functional addition to your landscape.
