Episode 111: Weed-Suppressing Ground Covers

Is there anything ground covert ca n’t do ? They are utile in problem areas like unconscionable slope , under trees and shrubs , and in spaces that need eroding ascendancy . They also reduce sustenance by enveloping areas that would usually need a boatload of mulch to keep weeds at bay . Now , not all ground covers play gracious . Some species will not only cover bare ground , but they will throttle out neighboring plants . But that ’s not the plants we ’re talking about today . We ’re focusing on solid ground covers that will diffuse out thickly but politely , and put out out any potential weeds in the process . We discuss options for sun , subtlety , and even drought - kind selections for those truly diabolical spots . And in case you think we ’re too East Coast – centrical , today ’s expert calls in from California to offer up some plant life that thrive in the westerly half of the land .

Expert testimony : Fionuala Campion is the owner and manager of Cottage Gardens of Petaluma in Petaluma , California .

Danielle’s Plants

Woolly thyme ( Thymus pseudolanuginosus , Zones 5–8 )

Wild strawberry mark ( Fragaria vesca , Zones 5–9 )

Siberian cypress tree ( Microbiota decussata , Zones 3–7 )

Alpine water supply fern ( Austroblechnum penna - marina , Zones 6–8 )

Carol’s Plants

‘ Drops of Jupiter ’ oregano ( Origanum‘Drops of Jupiter ’ , Zones 4–9 )

‘ Six Hills Giant ’ catmint ( Nepeta‘Six Hills Giant ’ , Zones 4–7 )

Eastern hay - odoriferous fern ( Dennstaedtia punctilobula , Zones 3–8 )

‘ Viette ’s Little Suzy ’ black - eyed Susan ( Rudbeckia fulgida‘Viette ’s Little Suzy ’ , Zones 4–9 )

Expert’s Plants

‘ Beyond Blue ’ Festuca elatior ( Festuca glauca‘Beyond Blue ’ , Zones 4–10 )

‘ Emerald Carpet ’ madrono ( Arctostaphylos‘Emerald Carpet ’ , Zones 6–10 )

‘ Bertie Crug ’ geranium ( Geranium‘Bertie Crug ’ , Zones 5–9 )

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