IN THE GARDEN
Let’s cover some ground By Lisa Cullen
I
t’s spring! Yippee! Time of renewal: Trees are sprouting fresh new green leaves, camellias and orchids are blooming, and the weather is fine. This is the perfect time of year to plant groundcover, and there are so many to choose from I thought I’d cover just a few to get you started.
Why and when groundcover
First, what is groundcover? According to the dictionary groundcovers are “low-growing, spreading plants that can help stop weeds from growing.” That sounds right, so let’s go with that. Groundcovers are great for softening the edges of paths or patios or tumbling over a wall or anyplace you have a bit of ground to cover (pun intended). There are so many groundcovers to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s where I come in. As with everything in life and in gardening, location is everything. I’m going to give you a little help on what groundcover to choose, depending on your location. As always, work with nature, not against her. Your exposure will determine what will work and what won’t.
Hot and dry
If you have a hot and or dry location, stick with Mediterranean-type plants or succulents. These plants can take the heat and are fairly low maintenance. Rosemary, Santa Barbara daisy, dymondia, osteospermum (aka freeway daisy), santolina, gazania, blue/green fescue, ice plant, all the sedums, senecio and lantana can take the abuse of low water and lots of heat.
Part sun/part shade
In areas where there is shade or some cooler air, closer to the ocean, you can still plant the above list, but now you can add in others, like ivy geranium, star jasmine, SnowN-Summer, thyme, nepeta, campanula, and teucrium. For a more exotic or tropical vibe, try ajuga or one of the mondo grasses.
Full shade
Full shade is challenging but there are a few groundcovers that will work even in areas of very little sun. Baby tears will take off in shade when there is water, and it’s so fun for those shady, damp places. Another groundcover-type plant I love is heuchera, aka coral bells. There are native varieties and others with gorgeous purple leaves that all send out lovely tall flowers in spring. Great for shade.
Stonework: groundcover with a difference
Angelus patio pavers and fireplace hardscape 50
FOOD + HOME
Urban stormwater runoff is the single largest source of water pollution in Santa Barbara. Amazing, right? I just found this out while researching this column. Rainwater picks up pollutants when it flows over hard surfaces such as roofs, patios, driveways, etc. Gas and oil from cars and other toxins are then sent to our oceans via the storm drains. The W W W. F O O D – H O M E . C O M
