10 Best Low-Maintenance Ground Cover Plants

Cutting the lawn, pulling out weeds, watching dry soil patches, etc., are all overwhelming tasks. If you are bored handling this tedious job, investing in ground cover plants for your garden is the best choice. Ground cover plants are not only time-savers, but they add aesthetics, help reduce erosion and attract and support pollinators as well. Whether you are trying to beautify your small backyard, shady walkway or a large sloppy area, the best ground cover plants will completely transform your space.

Easy Green: Ground Cover PlantsThat Do the Work for You

In Western New York region, where the seasons are strong and warm and soil types are diverse, it is good to choose robust plants that flourish with minimal efforts. Moreover, New Yorkian often prefer to plant perennial flowers or shrubs because they will be around every year without putting efforts on your side.

Let’s take a sec to clarify what ground cover plants are before we get started.

What are Ground Cover Plants

Ground cover is the term used to describe plants that grow quickly and over the soil. They are typically utilized to fill in the bare areas, control weeds and to reduce erosion of soil. Imagine them as the natural carpet, soft, green, and constantly growing.

The ground cover plants are decorative as well as practical. They are often utilized for landscaping purposes as a low-effort substitute for grass. Some plants are great for sunny locations and for people who prefer shade. A lot of these plants are super tough against drought and honestly the easiest choice for a garden you don’t want to fuss over.

Let’s take an in-depth look at the star on the screen: best ground cover plants that require minimal maintenance.

1. Creeping Thyme

You just can’t stop talking about Creeping Thyme to beautify outdoor areas! It’s this gorgeous, low-lying plant that creeps out across the ground like a soft green blanket, perfect for edging paths or driveways, or perhaps around the corner of a garden bed. In the summer, it has tiny little bright purple flowers, and everything just looks so good. It’s great at basking in the sun, doesn’t require much water and emits a lovely, herby aroma when you walk on it.

2. Bugleweed

Also referred to as Ajuga, Bugleweed provides deep green to purple foliage and blooms of blue in spring. It requires sunlight and shade to thrive. Bugleweed draws out weeds and grows easily. It is ideal for shaded damp spots.

3. Sedum

This stonecrop is a succulent that is virtually indestructible. It is a great choice for soils with poor drainage and full sun. It is ideal for dry and rocky regions. Moreover, the sedum has star-shaped flowers that attract and support pollinators; particularly bees.

4. Creeping Jenny

With its bright, chartreuse-colored leaves, Creeping Jenny brings lively colors to your landscape. It spreads quickly and is a great choice for the sun or in partial shades. Creeping Jenny is normally used to line gardens or to cascade over plants.

5. Sweet Woodruff

This fragrant groundcover produces tiny white flowers in the late spring. It is perfect to be used in gardens with humid soil and shade. Also, sweet woodruff is a deer-resistant plant.

6. Periwinkle

Periwinkle, also called Vinca Minor, is a perennial with shiny leaves and purple or blue flowers. It is easy to grow and is a favorite to many landscape designers near you.

7. Wild Ginger

Native to United States, Wild Ginger is a great ground cover plant for shady places. It has heart-shaped leaves and tiny, hidden maroon flowers. It grows slowly and naturally reduces the growth of weeds.

8. Hosta

Although they are not usually an ornamental ground cover, the mini varieties of Hosta can be used in a similar way in shady gardens. Their fine leaves and neat mounds make them a stylish low-maintenance option, especially when you consider planting perennial flowers or shrubs.

9. White Dutch Clower

This lawn option is increasing in acceptance among Western New York landscapes. It is self-fertilizing and comfortable underfoot. Additionally, it produces tiny white flowers that attract and support pollinators.

10. Moss

Moss is the solution if you have shady and humid areas where nothing else can grow. It flourishes without fertilizers, produces an incredibly lush, velvety green cover and requires minimal maintenance.

Why Choose Low-Maintenance Ground Cover Plants?

Here’s what make these plants a favorite for homeowners and professional landscape designers near you.

• Weed Control: A dense growth eliminates the weeds organically.
• Minimal Water Use: Many ground cover plants are drought resistant.
• Less Mowing: No mowers required every now and then.
• Nature Beauty: Provides texture, color and seasonal appeal.
• Eco-Friendly: Many plants are supportive of native wildlife and draw insects.
• Protects Soil: Reduces erosion and maintains moisture.

No matter if you are putting them on the slope, around steps, or trying to replace part of your lawn, these plants are simple and stylish.

Ask a Professional Landscape Designer Near You

If you are not sure what kind of ground cover plants will be the best fit for your soil, environment, and site, the best option is to talk with a landscape service provider near you. Local experts know what's trending in New York landscape and what withstands the current weather. Besides, they have the best understanding to mix plants that work well.

A landscape designers can help plan out the combinations of perennial flowering or ground cover plants, forming layers that keep your garden look lush and alive throughout the year.

Closing thought

Selecting the most suitable plant for the ground in your area is akin to picking a reliable companion: they show up, perform their job, and don't expect for anything in return. If you're looking for texture, color or simpleness, these low-maintenance ground cover plants can provide they can and more.

They're not just excellent for reducing water and time, they can also assist you in creating an attractive, natural area which can attract and help pollinators, boost the health of your soil, and create a garden or patio more welcoming.

However, if you're thinking about sodding or extending your lawn, think about installing these quiet garden beauties. You'll be amazed by how beautiful they are without much effort.

If you require assistance in visualizing the final design, ask a professional landscape designer near you. Beautiful gardens aren't just a matter of luck. They're planned with intention.