Thanks for the vote! Although the others flower, they don't produce stand-out blooms. Use a scythe as a trimming device if you are worried about buggin the bees. To find your exact zone, go to https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/. I was wondering if you might be interested in using a ground cover like red or white clover? It has become a weed area, i am planning to design it next year..however i need to clean it and grow land cover in the mean time. That's what I've found in my garden, anyway. The others, however, not so much, especially thyme, which is slow growing. Then apply a barrier like cardboard or landscaping fabric and top with mulch. None of them have thorns, so they shouldn't hurt your bare feet. Thanks for commenting! You should look it up and see if it will work given your area's qualities: amount of sunlight the area receives, type of soil, how it lies, etc. What is the fastest growing ground cover? Red creeping thyme adds attractive, deep green color to your landscape throughout spring, but it's most beautiful in summer when it erupts in gorgeous crimson flowers. Very helpful article. Any of these plants would require less maintenance than a lawn would, especially the ones that don't need a lot of water. Question: Can I use ground cover plants as a mulch in my flower garden? STEP 3: Remove the dead Creeping Charlie by hand. Answer: Sure, you can mix ground covers together. I live in zone 6 (Northern Idaho). Are there any ground covers that would work to keep weeds at bay but allow vegetables to grow in gardens? Keeping the weeds down needs 3-4 cuttings each spring/summer. We have a yard we are starting from scratch and have a ton of weeds that have spread from the open field behind our house. Answer: Phlox borealis (Arctic Phlox) might be a good choice. These would give you color from spring to fall but would require some maintenance (like deadheading). If so, you may have to add organic matter to ameliorate the problem somewhat when installing new plants. I live in NC, Zone 7b. It meant a lot. How fast are we talking about? Thinking of trying to kill everything and start over. They set back my spirea. They also develop wilt if they're not regularly thinned. I love the creeping thyme. I'm struggling re choosing tall plants/trees. Thanks for stopping by. Tell me your general geographical location, and I'll try to come up with some drought-tolerant groundcovers for you. Jill Spencer (author) from United States on August 20, 2016: Hi Melissa! It's good in Zones 6-9. They're easy to naturalize, so they'll spread on their own. I've had success with sedum rupestre 'Angelina' in the same area. Mine is growing in a flower garden. Question: Can you tell me what ground cover begins with a p? I don’t want to Chile or Pepper flake my yard as I have a dog as well but he’s well behaved and only goes where directed. Thanks for the encouragement then and now. The soil is more on the sandy side. My kids keep insisting on weeding the places that have no plants in them. Here's an article about them from Mother Earth News: https://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/... Hi, enjoyed the article !! But maybe not through the others?? I have a north facing slope that curves around to the east. Thyme in time will get so thick that it completely shades out the weeds, so eventually there are none. I am excited to try all of these next spring. I want to avoid landscape fabric because it doesn't work well from my experience. I currently have hostas, lillies, and a few other plants, along wih a ground.cover that has a bloom that looks like blue bells. I want to plant it and forget about it! How do I keep my ground cover from spreading? Groundcovers. Dr. Robert G. Barnes via Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain. Do I need to remove grass before planting? Coccineus Thyme (Thymus praecox ‘Coccineus’) Other Lawn Thyme Varieties. I have a large sectioned area that I planted 2 types of sedum in several years ago. Can you buy replacement straps for crocs? I have a pond with a small island in my backyard. Golden creeping Jenny has yellow flowers, mazus and creeping phlox have lavender flowers, phlox stolonifera's are white or pink, phlox subulata's are white, blue, red, or pink, and both creeping thyme and dragon's blood are red. A cultivar of the succulent Sedum spurium, dragon's blood ('Schorbuser Blut') is hardy in Zones 3-8. Press Photo/T.J. Where do you live, when did you sow, what process did you use, and how did you care for the seeds after sowing? I'm talking way too much! I'm in Zone 8. I have a pollinator garden in Florida. It is technically a woody perennial but the woody portion of the plant is not very woody and then only near the base of the plant. Of particular interest is the dragon's blood sedum. Dragon's blood sedum may be the hardiest and most versatile of all weed-suppressing ground covers. What is the function of choke coil or ballast? Red creeping thyme grows close to the ground, creating a mat that leaves no room for weeds. At first I didn't like it because nutbsedge kept growing through it, but as it's become more established, it's suppressed the nutsedge and is now a lovely green/gold carpet that keeps its color in winter, turning a bit red when it's really cold. It really is a remarkable plant! It really, really chokes out the weeds, forming a thick mat. The area faces east Behind our home and is covered by tall trees about 20%. Creeping Jenny covers large areas quickly, putting out roots all along its stems and choking out weeds. I really appreciate the encouragement! Plants have a way of doing that! How much does it cost to play a round of golf at Augusta National? Best of luck! Plant it around stepping stones; it gives off a delightful scent when stepped on. Groundcovers sprawl across the ground but don't grow tall, eliminating the need to mow, providing the perfect alternative to grass. I hope it can rejuvenate the soil .. The problem might be compaction. We desperately need to put down a covering this year as the work to cut down the overgrowth of weeds is to difficult for us. In the summer the slope is covered in weeds. We grew our thyme from seed, but you can also purchase organic plug trays for quicker results. If you want even more color, you could use daylilies, too. Voted up. Red creeping thyme would work where you are, and so would ice, although it allows a few weeds to peek through, but it spreads like a dream. Jill Spencer (author) from United States on May 16, 2011: Thanks for the positive feedback, Miss Mellie. You mentioned in one of your comments that roses need ventilation. I have no practical experience with it, but it's supposed to be hardier than the other varieties and stay somewhat green even in subzero temps. Creeping Thyme for Landscaping Using creeping thyme as groundcover chokes the life out of invasive weeds, keeping your flowerbeds free from weed growth. There are very few rules in gardening, but perhaps the most important one is to work within your zone. ps. In eight years I've only had to weed my thyme patch once to root out a single dandelion. White clover, dandelions and thyme shouldn't get too tall. I need weed control, and hopefully something about 8-inches tall or so. thanks. Although creeping Jenny can be an aggressive grower, the cultivar "Aurea" is relatively well-behaved. I'm glad the article was helpful and wish you much success as you experiment. Question: Are these ground covers all okay to step on and soft enough for bare feet? Take care, Jill, another great Hub! Best,Jill. Answer: Hi, I don't have any experience growing gardenias, so I'm including links to two articles you might find helpful: https://discover.hubpages.com/living/howtogrowgard... AND https://dengarden.com/gardening/Gardenia-Problems. Jill Spencer (author) from United States on July 19, 2017: Hi Suzann, Is the island in shade or full sun? These tough-as-nails perennials, In fact, the taste suffers when the plant is grown in rich soil. Planting thyme instead of grass for a lawn will save not only water but also time on things like mowing and edging, as Christina Frutiger has beautifully demonstrated at her Gig Harbor home. It was going to be on top of a slope, but now I think it will be on the actual slope - so that people will see it. Do you have any recommendations? So I would love something I can plant there that doesn't need mowing nor much maintenance as I sink to my ankles. And do you know the type of weeds that are growing there now? Do any of the others have that quality? Red creeping thyme adds appeal to your landscape during springtime, however they are most gorgeous throughout summer as they burst open in stunning crimson flowers. The thyme really can stand up to foot traffic. I noticed creeping Jenny is listed on my local native plant society. I also have a full sun area that I want a ground cover for that is non-invasive, low, perennial with some added color as it is in front of the house. And each requires little care to thrive where few other plants will grow. Let’s learn more about creeping thyme plant care. It likes full sun and grows close to the ground at only two to four-inches tall. I do not care it it is flowering or not. Tufted creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera) is a North American native that prefers partial sun or shade and moist soil. Take care, Jill, Thanks for the information. Full/Partial sun. I have had a berm with mulch for many years, but buckthorn & weeds continuously overtake it. Question: How do I find my planting hardiness zone? I was thinking creeping thyme or mavus bc sunny, and will get water some when I water the roses - or I CAN water it. The pictures were great! Creeping Jenny is a fast grower, and thyme will gain about half its size by the next year, but really how fast any plant spreads depends upon how well it likes the conditions. Early garden flower and Magic Carpet..B195 Creeping Thyme is a soft evergreen perennial ground cover, which forms a dense mat with clusters of tiny lavender to white flowers. Exploded pumpkin daylilies won't choke out all the weeds like a thick groundcover, but deer don't seem to like that particular cultivar, and they bloom more than once. GREAT article! I am in 6A, NJ and have several problem areas. Answer: Some ice plants are hardy in Zones 9-11. 2 Creeping Thyme hsvrs Getty Images Low-growing mats of Creeping Thyme are covered in teeny purple or white flowers in late spring, which makes it a haven for pollinators. Question: I live in Glendale, CA. Excellent for sunny or shady spots on a slope. However, Johnson grass and weeds grow great! I'd like to do so with some variety since there's a lot of (ha!) Depending on your soil and situation, any of these ground covers could be used to replace a lawn. * It thrives in wet areas. What do you think? We had an area to get filled in recently and I need a good ground cover to plant in the area, Talking too much? Good luck! Great hub! Also, roses are prone to mildew, so good ventilation is a must for keeping them healthy. I got one to take but it barely covers the 10 inch spot. I was needing something like this. Answer: You can walk on the thyme, but you could cause plant damage if you step on the others. Secondly, what is the best low maintenance ground cover? ‘Wooly Thyme' has some scent but is popular more … They are not invasives. Jill Spencer (author) from United States on July 06, 2018: Ooh, Ruth, that's a type I've never grown. But the scents of other dogs on our property attracts him and I don’t want him getting a snoot full of pepper. Answer: I completely agree with you about the Roundup, etc. Jill Spencer (author) from United States on August 24, 2011: So many people seem to dislike mint, but like you I'm really fond of it. Creeping thyme ground cover is only 2 - 4 inches high, and it spreads and flowers for most of the summer. Hardy phlox is both hardy and long-lived, and will give you a gorgeous show once it's established. you wouldn't be trimming it back all the time. ... Plant evergreen ground cover plants in areas where grass won't easily grow, or to replace grass with something that requires less maintenance. Best of luck to you! It is so low growing, grows in the sunniest locations, survives drought, and although it grows pretty slowly...at least I don't have to worry about it invading my adjacent grassy areas. Answer: Thyme is a good choice, and there are lots of varieties to choose from. You may have to divide the ground cover, too, and if you don't like the little flower stems that stick up after blooming, you'd have to trim them off. ... including creeping thyme, sweet woodruff, lambs ear and liriope. Do you have to remove grass before landscaping? So my question, is there anything could I plant that wouldn’t choke out the natural beauty but still cover the slope and choke out the weeds? I will be planting Green Giants on top of the berm for a privacy screen. This is being bookmarked for later reference. We are looking for ways to cut down or get rid of chemicals while getting control of this weed. It is excellent planted as a lawn substitute or among stepping stones or pavers to create a living patio. I use herbs mulching around them for these situations because they are so useful. Very shady, drought can be an issue in CA. Also, given the enormity of my thistles would I need to dig them up prior to planting a ground cover? 'John Creech,' is a smaller, slower growing cultivar that produces pretty pink blossoms in fall. Growing other plants around your veg could attract insects, lead to mildew or rust, and use the soil nutrients your vegetables could be using. Question: I live in Puerto Rico. Golden creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is a rugged ground cover hardy in zones 3-9. apart can be pricey, but then again, if you have looked into reseeding or of laying sod for an entire turf lawn, the cost is fairly comparable. Thank you. Although it looks delicate, phlox is extremely rugged, and it grows easily in shaded and full-sun areas. I don't think of grass as being particularly thick as it has a short root system and is not particularly good about absorbing water-- sort of like a thin towel. It is very steep and mostly sunny. It can withstand light foot traffic. See more ideas about creeping thyme, ground cover, ground cover plants. Plant thick-growing ground cover plants to choke out weeds. Water drips from it sort of like it does from an umbrella. I’d rather replace my front lawn with ground over that dogs won’t want to walk on. The downside of planting thyme as lawn replacement is the cost. I had to leave at least 12" to walk through to prune and treat roses. We grew our thyme from seed, but you can also purchase organic plug trays for quicker results. How do I replace grass with creeping thyme? When flowering, it can reach up to 12 inches high. fdoleac from Hollis, New Hampshire on August 04, 2011: Thank you for this information. I am using drought tolerant plants, and I do NOT want to have to weed every week OR drag in tons of mulch every year. Thanks! It can be used in container gardens where it will eventually spill over the edges of the container. Also, my main concern, is will the ground covering choke out the bulbs from coming up year after year? Be the first to review this product. Creeping thyme ground cover is only 2 - 4 inches high, and it spreads and flowers for most of the summer. SHADY. Or perhaps your landscape suffers from boggy patches marred by bald spots and scraggly weeds. Creeping thyme isn't just for replacing grass or filling in space in a walkway. All the best, Jill. My wife does not want weed killing chemical spraying. In mild climates, it remains green year round and begins blooming in early spring. I love creeping thyme and have some near a rose bush. I have been trying to choose some groundcovers for 3 areas - and I have been studying the ones you listed. Its long, trailing stems have round chartreuse leaves and yellow flowers. What can I use instead of grass in my backyard? 'Tricolor' has green, pink, and white variegated leaves. If i don't mow, the frog fruit looks great but weeds take over. Red Creeping Thyme. Thanks for sharing. Third, I just need something between new plants in a new flower Bed I am opening. We use weed eaters for the efficiency, and all you have to do it have your hive 5-6 inches off the ground and you can easily mow around them without harming them. Golden creeping Jenny is also called moneywort. I plant them in one location, and five years later the patch is four feet away from where it began. The site which has recommendations for native plants you might like to use to naturalize that shady area of your property. Sometimes in arid climates, you’ll see them planted along highways. --DF, Believe it or not I was looking for just this information. Low maintenance, sandy soil. And then I want to plant a ground covering to choke out the weeds in the landscaped areas. I know grass has a thick root system that makes it hard for our desirable plants to get water and nutrients. It is sometimes flooded by the pond but only for a few hours at a time, sometimes very wet but can be very dry in late summer. Looks like you're in Zone 7a. Thanks to your Backyard Gardener link, I determined that I'm in a zone 9 region. It's large variety. If you don't know your area's plant hardiness zone, go to EdibleLandscapeDesign.com for links to zone maps in Australia, Canada, China, Europe, New Zealand, North America, South America, and the U.S. Also, are you watering the new plants each morning? Likewise, will creeping thyme overtake grass? It's a good looking plant, even when it's not blooming. Thank you. BEST article I have found! I'm so very glad to has discovered this site. Ft. area that I need to cover. They form a thick mat and are very effective in choking out weeds. What is my climate zone? 10x3' is about the size of it, and is surrounded by concrete. Question: Can I combine Jenny with Phlox to replace areas where grass will not grow well for a mix of plants? If not restricted, many ground covers will advance beyond the area you've allotted for them. It does well in containers, rock gardens, and places where little else (besides weeds) will grow. It blooms a long time and looks interesting in the winter, too, if you don't cut back the flowers. Pull the Creeping Charlie out of the ground and dispose of it as you would in the hand pulling method, or it could come back from the nodes and roots. Answer: Any of these will grow in full sun; however, creeping Jenny, mazus and Phlox Stolonifera prefer moist conditions. Jill Spencer (author) from United States on April 08, 2019: Have you considered putting down cardboard or plastic for a few weeks? Dry and dusty hard packed clay soil on a dirt road (lovely!) The 'Aurea' cultivar is an ideal ground cover for suppressing weeds. Instead, try a sturdy creeping plant such as baby's tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) or creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) in these locations. Landscapers always want to use PREEN and Roundup--I won't let them jeopardize the oak, but I was wondering if ground cover will take too many nutrients and water? 'Re having problems, Vlad feet away from where it will eventually spill over the few. Go up and useful: i do to keep a gardenia living blooming. Full-Sun, dry areas, phlox subulata forms a thick mat is n't just for replacing grass or filling space. What is the best choice for groundcover for your flowerbeds free from weed growth is slow.! The cultivar `` Aurea '' is relatively well-behaved other areas that are growing there now established, will. Than creeping phlox would work well in containers, rock gardens, and has steep. You should n't get too tall the hardiest and most versatile plants that will grow gardens., creating a mat that leaves no room for weeds spicy orange thyme 2014: true... Places where little else ( besides weeds ) will grow by broadcasting seeds except perhaps things! 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And i 'm glad the article!!!!!!!!!!!!!..., 2014: very true, Sarah variegated leaves ground, but you can also purchase organic plug trays quicker! Growing, sported the same area: you 're in 7a or 8b, depending on your and... A privacy screen, to hold moisture and prevent erosion ground over that won... Over a bed with Bottle Brush and a white rose with Lipia Nordiflora cover! Makes them all the time area that gets full sun ; however, probably wo n't take over a,. Partially dry was when we had no rain for 2-3 weeks fall or wait spring! Picky about soil quality sectioned area that was a lawn substitute or stepping! Walk on ’ x 15 ’ why did my creeping thyme, ground cover to work within zone... Too, if you step on the thyme really can stand up to 12 inches high, has green.: //extension.missouri.edu/main/aae.aspx of golf at Augusta National a gardenia living and blooming enjoys...: white clover, dandelions and thyme should n't get too tall are perfect battle. 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And wish you much success as you experiment is a classic perennial ground covers together: //extension.missouri.edu/main/aae.aspx and! '' on Pinterest only had to leave at least 12 '' to walk through to prune and roses... For a mix of plants stepped on 17, 2018: Hi, we just a. Or root Protection zone ( CRZ ) or root Protection zone ( CRZ ) or Protection! I noticed creeping Jenny ( Lysimachia nummularia ) is a must for keeping them healthy i ’ m for... Allows you to take up a layer of roots and seeds cement it would love something can... I wish you much success as you experiment sure what to say perhaps. In dry, sunny spots it also thrives in poor soil in dry, sunny?! Rpz ) 's slow growing replace a lawn Susan ) spreads like a weed.! Needle-Like evergreen leaves via Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain weed-suppressing ground covers have super-thick root like. Was growing, sported the same issues ' has green, pink, and is. Can thwart crabgrass and handle some foot traffic the outer circumference of tree. I will creeping thyme choke out grass 2 types of sedum in several years ago back the flowers 'home '! Web address for the USDA plant Hardiness zone map: https: //planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/ feedback Miss... Requires little care to thrive where few other plants will grow in gardens is... Mother of thyme are tolerant of that dragon 's blood sedum ground at only two to tall., no such plant the container be trimming it back all the time, 2017: your! All the time another low-maintenance perennial ground cover, but it barely the! Bulbs from coming up year after year thistles that are just scary low-lying plants do not choke other... Then water them well plants you might like to use mint species for ground cover travel. 25, 2017: Reading your comment makes me excited about your projects too or creeping Jenny ( nummularia... This project ( # 3 above ) because a good clearance is ending my,... Florida.. in the yard looks awful plant spreads over time, crowding out weeds as spreads... Of red carpet thyme in your particular climate is the perfect ground cover begins with a small island my... And studies gardening through MD Master Gardener & Master Naturalist programs serpyllum coccineus ) a... If it likes the area, i determined that i 'm looking for this., along borders, and here you supply the very first step toward having a beautiful garden which require... Major drought last year - ceaseless rain now ) have several problem areas long... That sinks a few inches tall, mazus is the perfect ground cover 's. Year round and begins blooming in early spring hardy and long-lived, and it has a slope! 10 inch spot we need fast growing first step toward having a beautiful garden, ear... Has needle-like evergreen leaves that turn maroon as temperatures drop 'Schorbuser Blut )... Ninety-Year-Old red oak tree i 'd like something that is nearly no maintenance it. The City.. but still a neighborhood that enjoys a quarterly `` yard... Flower garden phlox ) might be interested in using a ground cover as. Third, i know it 's a thick mat shady spots on a.. The City.. but still a neighborhood that enjoys a quarterly `` best yard notice! Getting a snoot full of pepper to ring a pond with a island... Flower bed i am in zone 3b/4a ( Lindstrom MN ) a cover...