GARDEN CAPSULE
The challenge: The grass on the north side of the house is thin and there are bare spots in the turf under the trees.
The solution: Plant a shade-loving groundcover instead of grass in the shade of any buildings and under trees. Two good choices: creeping lilyturf ( Liriope spicata) and Pennsylvania sedge ( Carex pensylvanica). Both grow low and resemble grass, but fare much better for cohabitation with tree roots. Both thrive in shade. Spreading by rhizomes, both stand up to foot traffic. For those who prefer a close-clipped appearance, either can be mowed.
Pluses: Once established, these groundcovers will pay off handsomely in easy care, endurance and beauty. One option: Skip mowing and allow these groundcovers to grow naturally to their normal height of about 8 inches. Creeping lilyturf is evergreen, drought-tolerant and resistant to damage from insect pests. Small lavender-colored flowers are a bonus. Pennsylvania sedge has a fine texture that gives it a beautiful, soft, flowing look. Although not quite evergreen, it still has a winter presence.
Minuses: Either groundcover will initially cost more and require more effort to establish than grass seed or sod. You’ll need to avoid unintentionally buying the clump-forming species of lilyturf ( Liriope muscari), which isn’t as winterhardy and isn’t a good turf substitute.
Sources: Many garden centers carry both lilyturf and Pennsylvania sedge. Mail-order sources for creeping lilyturf include Classy Groundcovers (888/404-4678, classyground
covers.com). For Pennsylvania sedge: Prairie Nursery (800/ 476-9453, prairienursery.com).