Glamorous groundcover

These handsome plants will cover bare soil and keep your garden looking lush. Louise Curley picks the best

Successful garden design usually exhibits some kind of layering, comprising upper, mid and lower tiers of plants. While taller plants such as trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials tend to grab our attention, low-growing groundcover is just as important. The best groundcover plants tend to be evergreen, require little attention and spread out across the soil, forming a verdant mat of leaves. Not only does this look much more attractive than exposed, brown earth, but also it helps to suppress weeds – ideal for timestrapped gardeners. Scrambling plants are particularly useful for tricky areas such as slopes, where plants that need more regular maintenance can be difficult to look after. The roots of groundhugging plants also help to stabilise soil on slopes and help to stop erosion. For really tricky spots under trees and hedges, it’s good to know that some of these groundcover plants don’t mind dry shade; they’ll also hide the unsightly foliage of fading spring bulbs. Best of all, these practical plants are the antithesis of boring. With glossy foliage, silvery leaves, autumn colour and pretty blooms, this selection of lowgrowing, spreading plants will add a touch of glamour to any garden.

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