Stop Using Mulch—11 Ground Covers That Do the Job Better

Mulch may be the go - to for many gardeners , but it ’s not the only option . In fact , certain earth covers can do everything mulch does — suppress weeds , hold back wet , protect soil — while adding texture , color , and life to your garden .

Unlike mulch , which breaks down and involve regular refreshing , these living option areself - renewing and seasonally dynamical . They evolve with your garden , declare oneself beauty along with practicality — no hauling , no spreading , no replacing .

In this clause , discover 11 ground brood that outperform mulch and get added appealingness to your infinite . It might be prison term tolet your plant life do the work — and skip the mulch entirely .

Stop Using Mulch—11 Ground Covers That Do the Job Better

Creeping Thyme

Creeping thyme is n’t just a culinary delight . This aromatic ground insure charms with its low - growing , dumb lusterlessness of tiny leaf . It flourish in sunny spots , release a pleasant scent when step on . Its lovely purple bloom appeal pollinators , making it both decorative and good . Easy to rise , it tolerates drought and pitiable soil , requiring minimal alimony . Additionally , it acts as a natural weed appetite suppressant . This delightful plant life is ideal for careen garden , track , and border . Its charm lie in its dual part as both a fragrant herb and a striking ground covering fire .

Liriope

Liriope , often call lilyturf , offer up more than just decorative ingathering . With its grass - like leave and seasonal capitulum of violet flowers , it provide texture and color . Liriope is special at controlling eating away and thrives in varied conditions , from Sunday to shade . It require little care , making it hone for busy nurseryman . This hardy plant life is resistant to pests and diseases , ensuring a long - endure presence in your garden . idealistic for borders or filling large field , genus Liriope proves that functionality and beauty can coexist seamlessly in a landscape .

Clover

Not just for golden charms , clover is a robust dry land cover with a bent for atomic number 7 fixation , enriching the soil of course . It forms a dense , green rug that suppresses weed efficiently . Clover ’s bantam , white blooms pull in bees , supporting local ecosystems . It ’s drought - tolerant and can manage foot traffic , making it desirable for lawns or garden beds . outstandingly , clover remains fleeceable through dry spells , spare you the trouble of never-ending lachrymation . Its resilience and ecological benefits make clover a overbold , sustainable option for environmentally - witting gardeners .

Ajuga

Ajuga , known for its striking foliage , translate ordinary spaces into ocular spectacles . Its rich , bronze - purpleness leaves counterpoint beautifully with blue-blooded flower spikes . Ajuga is perfect for shady smirch where other plants struggle . It broadcast apace , creating an effective weed barrier . down in the mouth maintenance and adaptable , it thrives in various filth condition . This land cover offer yr - round involvement with its evergreen nature . idealistic for adding color and grain to perimeter or under tree , ajuga combines hit appearance with practical advantages , stimulate it a favorite among gardener .

Sedum

Sedum , with its succulent leave , is a unfearing ground cover that express mirth in the face of drought . Its adaptable nature makes it suitable for rocky or arenaceous soils . Sedum ’s pink flowers add a spattering of people of color , attract pollinators . It ’s an ideal choice for lowly - maintenance garden , as it requires minimal watering . The plant ’s ability to store water in its foliage ensures survival through dry period . Offering a change of grain and colors , sedum is perfect for rock garden , light-green roofs , or as a border plant , turn up that resilience can be beautiful .

Pachysandra

Pachysandra , a glossy - get out earth cover , thrives in shady areas where locoweed struggles . Its dull growth riding habit effectively suppress weeds , providing a luxuriant , green carpeting . It requires minimal guardianship , making it idealistic for low - sustentation gardens . Pachysandra ’s resiliency unfold to its pest resistance , ensuring it stay beautiful year - round . This ground cover is perfect for woodland garden , creating an pay for , raw look . Its evergreen nature provide color even in wintertime , making it a authentic choice for gardeners seeking a consistent , attractive landscape painting solution without the dogfight .

Sweet Woodruff

fresh woodruff enthral with its touchy , star - shaped white flowers and whorls of light-green leave . Thriving in shaded , moist areas , it bring life-time to otherwise slow spots . know for its sweet scent , peculiarly when dried , it is often used in miscellany . This ground cover broadcast quick , form a thick matt that suppresses weeds . Its modest - maintenance nature and deer resistance make it a gardener ’s friend . Perfect for timberland garden or under trees , sweet-flavored woodruff ’s enchanting appearance and fragrance make it a delightful addition to any garden landscape painting .

Vinca Minor

Vinca minor , or periwinkle , is look up to for its glistening leaves and charming gamy flowers . It excels in both sun and tincture , showcasing its adaptability . This undercoat cover spread swiftly , create a heavy mat that repress weeds . Vinca nipper call for minimum upkeep , fly high in various soil stipulation . Its evergreen nature ensures yr - rung appeal , making it a stout selection for gardeners . Ideal for slopes or shaded orbit , vinca minor ’s dependableness and looker have made it a staple fiber in gardens . This flora proves that simplicity can be stunning .

Ice Plant

methamphetamine plant daze with its vibrant pinkish flowers and succulent leaves . aboriginal to coastal regions , it thrive in sandy , well - drained land . Ice plant ’s drouth tolerance and table salt resistance make it hone for seaside gardens . It work a obtuse mat , ideal for erosion mastery on slopes . The plant life ’s vivid blooms appeal pollinators , adding life to your garden . low-pitched alimony and fast - acquire , ice plant is a favorite for those seeking a splash of color with minimal effort . Its ability to flourish in harsh conditions make it a versatile garden plus .

Bugleweed

Bugleweed , often leave out , fetch drama with its sheeny farewell and spikes of down flush . Ideal for shady orbit , it forms a dense , weed - resistant rug . This solid ground cover ’s adaptability to varying territory conditions have it a versatile choice . It require minimal care , appeal to those seeking down in the mouth - maintenance pick . Bugleweed ’s evergreen nature put up year - pear-shaped visual interest . hone for underplanting bush or tree diagram , it adds a touch of elegance to any garden . Its power to thrive with footling attention makes bugleweed a honest , attractive pick for gardeners .

Mazus

Mazus , with its minuscule , purplish flowers , transform garden into inviting retreat . A fast - maturate ground blanket , it forms a dense matt that suppresses weed effectively . Ideal for paths or between stepping gemstone , mazus thrives in cheery or partially shaded arena . Its low - growing habit and vibrant blooms pull pollinators , enhancing your garden ’s biodiversity . Minimal maintenance is needed , making it a favorite for busy gardeners . Mazus ’ adaptability to different dirt types and its resilience in various conditions conditions make it a perfect choice for any garden stage setting , provide stunner with little effort .

Creeping Thyme