Groundcovers and other groundlayer plants

Groundcovers and other groundlayer plants are generally under 50 cm tall and can be prostrate, dwarf or herbaceous plants as well as woody to semi-woody shrubs. Generally, they are plants with the ability to continuously spread across the ground, either forming colonies or large patches. They comprise the lower level of the garden, and can be used to cover bare ground and fill space in between the shrubs and trees.

Ground covers and groundlayer plants have many benefits:

• Become a living mulch to protect against water loss
• Creating habitat for small reptiles as well as insects and other invertebrates.
• Creating contrasting textures, colours and forms in the garden
• Providing attractive flowers and foliage
• Out compete weeds and stop weed seeds from germinating.