How to Use Ground Cover as Living Mulch

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By DenaEBolton
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Use Ground Cover as Living Mulch

We mulch our plants and gardens in the spring to give them a fresh look, to help keep down the weeds, and to conserve water during the hot summer months. We then add another layer of mulch to these same plants and gardens in the fall to protect them during the cold winter months. Ground cover is just used to fill in gaps or add some color; however, you can save yourself time and money by thinking of ground cover as living mulch. It also helps if you choose the right ground cover for your plants and gardens.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Creeping Jenny. This is one of my all-time favorites. Creeping Jenny forms a low, dense mat that turns a bright yellow in the sun. (For more information, see the link below to my article "Creeping Jenny.")
Step 2

Angelina. This is a type of low-growing sedum, which is a bright green during the summer. It also remains green with touches of reddish-green during the winter months. (For more information, see the link below to my article "If you have a brown thumb, you are growing the wrong plants.")
Step 3

Woolly thyme

Thyme. Thyme is an easy-to-grow perennial herb that works extremely well as ground cover or living mulch. Choose a creeping thyme or woolly thyme. (Also, woolly thyme feels wonderful on bare feet!) Both types form tight mats and will remain green during the winter months.

Tips & Warnings

You will want to periodically work compost into your ground cover, just as you do every year for your garden.
These types of ground cover might not work as well in northern climes with their extreme temperatures. Check your local nurseries for native plants that might be hardier in your area.
A lot of people choose English ivy, because it grows quickly and is an evergreen. I believe it should be kept in pots! Not only is it incredibly invasive, it can actually be destructive as well. English ivy can climb the walls of houses. This may look very Old World and a bit romantic; however, the ivy can actually damage the sides and even the structure of the house.

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