Covering Ground [Paperback]

Ground covers are a pretty and practical way to bring diversity, elegance, and durability to open sweeps of lawn. Give your landscape a vibrant new palette that is both sustainable and low-maintenance through plantings of herbs, shrubs, mosses, and more. Barbara W. Ellis provides a variety of full-color lawn designs and professional planting advice to get you started. You’ll be amazed as your ordinary lawn transforms into a striking display of color and texture. 

Barbara W. Ellis is a freelance writer, editor, and lifelong gardener. She is the author of many gardening books, includingThe Veggie Gardener’s Answer Book, Deckscaping, Shady Retreats,andCovering Ground.She holds a B.S. in horticulture from the Ohio State University, Columbus, and a B.A. from Kenyon College. She has worked as managing editor at Rodale Press and as publications director for the American Horticultural Society and is affiliated with the Hardy Plant Society Mid-Atlantic Group, the Garden Writers Association, and the Perennial Plant Association. She lives and gardens in Maryland, where she and her husband live in a renovated “green” home with an assortment of rescued dogs, cats, and parrots. Her garden, which is managed organically and designed to be wildlife-friendly, features a wide range of ornamentals, herbs, and edibles for both sun and shade.

Getting Creative with Ground Covers

Part One: Rolling Out the Carpet
Why Ground Covers?
Making the Most of Ground Covers
Addressing Problem Spots
Knowing Your Site
Plant Selection
Creating Combinations
Going Wild
Aggressive & Invasive Ground Covers
Covering Ground with Hardscape

Part Two: Perfect Plants for Every Site
Active Spreaders for Sun & Shade
Sun Lovers for a Patterned Garden
Ground Huggers for Paths & Stepping Stones
Small-Scale Spreaders
Perennials for Bold Cover inlsI