Using plants as ground covers

Ground covers (G.C) are low-growing plants used to cover ground in gardens and landscapes, rather than using turf or non-plant materials. These plants play an important role in improving the aesthetics of the site, reducing soil erosion, and preventing weed growth. They also help conserve soil moisture and reduce maintenance needs. There are a variety of plants that can be used as ground covers, suiting different environmental conditions and design requirements.

Benefits of Ground covers

• Prevent soil erosion: G.C help stabilize the soil thanks to their interlocking roots, reducing soil erosion caused by wind and water.
• Reduce weed growth: Ground covers reduce weed growth by covering the ground densely, depriving weeds of light and space.
• Maintaining soil moisture: These plants help reduce water evaporation from the soil, keeping it moist and reducing irrigation needs.
• Improving the aesthetics of the site: Ground covers add an aesthetic touch to the landscape thanks to their different colors and shapes, which contributes to improving the general appearance of the site as an alternative to covering the ground with hardscape elements such as gravel, sand& gravel, or interlock.

Caring for Ground covers

Ground covers are an important element of landscape design, providing numerous aesthetic and functional benefits. By choosing the right plants according to environmental conditions and design needs, the appearance of the site can be improved and maintenance efforts reduced. Whether perennial grasses, small shrubs, succulents, or flowering plants, ground covers contribute greatly to achieving an aesthetic and environmental balance in the landscape.

Environmental considerations for selecting ground covers

• Climatic conditions: It is important to choose plants that tolerate the climatic conditions prevailing on the site, whether dry or humid, hot or cold.
• Soil type: Plants vary in their needs for soil type. Plants must be chosen that suit the type of soil available, whether it is clay, sand, or fertile.
• Sun exposure: Some plants need direct sunlight while others prefer partial or complete shade. Plants should be selected according to the site’s exposure to sunlight.
• Maintenance needs: Plants vary in their maintenance needs, such as watering and pruning. It is preferable to choose plants that match the available maintenance capacity.