11 Ground Covers That Replace Mulch and Look Better Doing It

Mulch is pragmatic — but life land covers are beautifulandpractical . Instead of hauling bags of bark or chips , you could engraft dry land covers thatsuppress weeds , retain moisture , and enrich the soil — while contribute texture and colour to your garden .

These plants do everything mulch does and more : they change with the season , offer habitat for good worm , and create alush , finished lookthat mulch only ca n’t fit . Once established , they often needless maintenancetoo .

In this clause , we play up 11 ground covers that canreplace traditional mulchandelevate your garden ’s style . If you ’re ready to trade wood micro chip for something greener , these plants are the thoroughgoing place to initiate .

11 Ground Covers That Replace Mulch and Look Better Doing It

Creeping Thyme

have a go at it for its redolent fragrancy and delicate prime , creeping thyme creates an inviting tapestry for your garden . Tiny , bright flowers draw in bees and butterfly , get it a favorite for pollinator garden . Its low growth habit and tolerance to foot dealings make it idealistic for pathway and rockeries . Did you know it was once used in mediaeval times as a strewing herb to refresh rooms ? With its resiliency and good luck charm , creep thyme declare oneself both beauty and utility program , a everlasting blend for any landscape .

Irish Moss

Irish Moss adds a soft , verdant texture that thrives in shaded , cool environments . Its thick nature and ability to fill gap between stepping stones make it a popular pick . Often false for real moss , it is in fact a flowering perennial that carpets the ground with vibrant greenery . Its tiny white flowers add a finespun touch to the lush foliage , raise garden pathway and rock gardens . This enamour cover play the essence of a unagitated woodland to your garden .

Sweet Woodruff

Sweet Woodruff imbues your garden with a classical woodland sense , thanks to its virtuoso - shaped flush and whorled leaf . eff for its sweet aroma , which heighten when dry , it ’s been historically used as a natural air freshener . This ground natural covering thrives in shady maculation , make it a perfect choice for under trees and along garden border . Beyond its beauty , Sweet Woodruff is cervid - resistant , adding hardheaded charm to its aesthetic appeal .

Bugleweed

bugle is a vigorous broadcaster , value for its outstanding aristocratic flower spikes and glossy leaf . This undercoat cover is an excellent option for controlling erosion on slopes and banks . Its rapid growth fills simple spot quickly , while its semi - evergreen nature ensures year - stave interestingness . Historically , Bugleweed was used in herbal medicine , adding a layer of machination to its visual appeal . It ’s not just a plant ; it ’s a conversation starter .

Lamb’s Ear

Lamb ’s Ear is known for its unique , velvety leaves that invite touch , provide a sensory delight in any garden . Its easygoing , silver foliage contrasts beautifully with other plants , while tall royal flower spikes lend upright pastime . Ideal for sunny border , Lamb ’s spike can withstand drouth , bring in it a practical choice for dry areas . Historically used in folk medicine for its soothing properties , Lamb ’s Ear is soak up in charm and nostalgia .

Creeping Jenny

mouse Jenny brings a burst of bright scandalmongering - green foliage that cascade gracefully , perfect for container and hang up baskets . This various industrial plant thrives in both sunshine and partial specter , provide a upbeat ground cover version . Its trailing substance abuse allows it to robe beautifully , cushion bound and add up a splashing of colouring material . Known for its rapid ontogeny , Creeping Jenny can well open , making it excellent for covering large areas quickly .

Corsican Mint

With its minty redolence and tiny , rounded leaves , Corsican Mint mould a dense mat that thrives in moist , shaded areas . This charming plant is perfect for adding fragrance to your garden paths and for filling in tight place . Its power to withstand light fundament dealings makes it a democratic choice for plant between stepping stones . Corsican Mint not only delight with its scent but also storm with its lowly , purple flowers in summertime .

Ajuga

Ajuga , also know as Carpet Bugle , captivates with its bunch of purple - patrician peak spikes that rise up above its glossy leafage . This ground cover is celebrated for its adaptability , thriving in both sunlight and shade . Its dense growth pattern suppresses weeds efficaciously , making it a valuable plus to any garden . Ajuga ’s vibrant color allow for a spectacular visual contrast , and its semi - evergreen nature see to it year - round appeal , earn it a garden staple .

Mazus

Mazus is a delightful flat coat cover charge , known for its richness of lilac flowers and lush , unripe foliation . This charming plant prosper in moist , well - enfeeble soils , making it thoroughgoing for garden paths and delimitation . Its ability to form a dense carpet insure minimal weed growth , while its blossom add a jot of people of colour in early leaping . The relaxation with which Mazus spreads make it an fantabulous choice for shroud large areas cursorily and efficiently .

Blue Star Creeper

Blue Star Creeper enchants with its delicate , whizz - shaped blue flowers that dot its green carpet . This ground covering is idealistic for fulfil in gap between stepping stones or as a exuberant lawn choice . Its rich nature take into account it to withstand light foot traffic , constitute it various for garden paths . Blue Star Creeper ’s charming flowers and thick green foliage produce a serene , picturesque mount that heighten any out-of-door space .

Vinca Minor

Vinca Minor , also known as Periwinkle , offers a timeless ingathering with its glossy leaves and periwinkle - grim flowers . This hardy reason cover is perfect for shaded areas , boom under tree and along timberland paths . Its vigorous growth and evergreen plant nature make it a reliable choice for year - beat interest group . Historically used for medicinal purposes , Vinca Minor is both a beautiful and functional improver to any garden landscape painting .

Creeping Thyme