Groundcovers: The Living Mulch

I think almost everyone knows that mulching gardens is recommended these days. In my garden I use groundcovers as a living mulch. I find that it works well and also gives me a lot more choice of things to grow in my garden!

The usual reasons for mulching are:

Suppressing weed growth.
Keeping soil cool.
Conserving moisture.

A living mulch has the added benefits of:

Saving the work and cost of regular mulches.
Reducing soil erosion on slopes.
Reducing wind erosion.
Looking good.
Not being thrown onto pathways by birds.

The best plants for a living mulch are are long lasting perennials that have a naturally dense growth. I also prefer to use plants that don't need a lot of water or maintenance. If you have bulbs, a soft, low growing plant is best so as to allow the bulbs to make their way through. Apart from that criteria, your choice can vary in height and woodiness. An initial mulching with regular mulch may be used when you start a new garden or refurbish an old one. Once your groundcovers get established you will need less and less mulching as the spaces diminish.

The following plants are some of which I have growing in my garden. They are only a small example of what can be used.