GROUND cover is often overlooked, but it shouldn't be - it can be the best finish to a garden that will last for years.
Heather Carston
I WAS visiting a friend last week and noted an amazing ground cover plant I hadn’t seen before, which set off beautifully the landscaping she’d done at the bottom of a bank.
And it made me think of a small garden I’ve got that has areas that could use ground cover to beautify what is already there.
It’s a semi sunny/shady spot, with alstroemeria, hydrangea, lavender, iris and flax growing, but with open patches that really need something else – and more than just for looks.
Ground cover plants play a crucial role in our diverse ecosystems, serving several essential functions, such as preventing soil erosion, suppressing weeds, providing habitat for wildlife, and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of gardens and natural areas.
Because of the wide ranges of climate and topography (even in just the King Country), ground cover plants have adapted to these diverse conditions, creating a rich tapestry of vegetation across the country.
One notable ground cover plant in New Zealand is the native Coprosma species. These hardy evergreen shrubs are well suited for various environments, from coastal sands to alpine slopes.
Coprosma repens, commonly known as Taupata or Mirror Plant, is frequently used for erosion control along coastlines. Its glossy, mirror-like leaves and salt-tolerance make it an excellent choice for stabilizing soil in challenging coastal conditions.
Another indigenous ground cover is the New Zealand rock lily (Arthropodium cirratum), commonly referred to as renga lily or rengarenga.
This plant boasts attractive, strappy leaves and produces clusters of star-shaped white flowers. It thrives in both coastal and inland environments, making it a versatile choice for ground cover in gardens and natural landscapes.
In addition to native species, many introduced ground cover plants have become naturalised in New Zealand.
Ajuga reptans, commonly known as bugleweed, is one such example.
With its vibrant blue flowers and creeping habit, Ajuga reptans has found a place in gardens and landscapes, providing not only aesthetic value but also effectively covering bare ground and suppressing weeds.
Ground cover plants are particularly valuable in preventing soil erosion, a prevalent issue these days in many areas due to rugged terrain and heavy rainfall.
Native grasses like the Carex species and introduced species like Festuca rubra are often used for erosion control, forming dense mats that stabilise soil and protect against the impact of rain and wind.
Gardeners and landscapers also appreciate ground cover plants for their ability to create visually appealing, low-maintenance landscapes.
Plants like Leptinella squalida, commonly known as brass buttons, produce dense, fern-like foliage and are well-suited for filling in spaces between larger plants or covering slopes.
Some can take a while to spread out, but one thing is certain. Once they have their roots well established, they can transform any garden into a beautifully
finished area for years to come.
