Some Ground Cover Favorites
I've mentioned lirope and ivy as ground cover standbys. There's also carpet bugleweed (ajuga reptans), lantana and vinca. Dr. Robert J. Black of the University of Florida has a great page with pictures and descriptions of a wide array of ground cover possibilities. You'll notice the descriptions about where the ground covers do best and the amount of light or shade they'll tolerate. This is important because you want to keep the amount of care required to a minimum.
Taller Ground Covers
The very name "ground cover" makes one think of some low growing, creeping plantings that never get much over 4 inches high. While this may be true for some, it pays to expand the definition of what can actually serve as a ground cover. Technically, any mass of plants you specifically place together to grown in a certain area or manner can be considered a ground cover. Daylilies, members of the cycad family (i.e., coonties), mondo grass can all be ground covers. Knowing how many to plant to get the effect you want is the real trick. A slope covered in hostas or St. John's Wort (hypericum) would make a dramatic statement; the same slope covered in English ivy or vinca says something else altogether.
Herbs as Groundcovers
Another wonderful ground cover option is herbs. Certain herbs have mounding or trailing habits that make an interesting design statement in your garden. Lemon thyme and catmint come to mind as delightful herbs to plant as ground covers. They have the added benefit of tolerating some foot traffic and releasing their pleasant fragrances when crushed.
Where and When to Plant Groundcovers
The first part of this question is pretty straightforward. Plant your groundcovers wherever they're needed! A couple of things to think about:
Be sure you have the right ground cover for your climate. Like other plants, groundcovers have their likes and dislikes. Ground Covers for Florida Homes provides an excellent table of suggested ground covers and the best areas of Florida for them.
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