in the gArDen let s cover soMe grounD

Let’s cover some ground

by lIsa Cullen

It’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

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

solution is to install permeable paving stones . Nature is amazing . It cleans the water with its own magical filtration system, and permeable pavers ensure that water goes into the ground and not into the ocean . Other permeable surfaces like gravel are available but are not always the best option . Pavers have come a long way in the last 30 years . In fact, pavers are many times the more elegant choice and if your soil is expansive clay, as in the case of much of Santa Barbara, they’re the only choice . Paving stones make fantastic driveways, walkways, and even pool decks and patios . Check out the Angeles Paving Stone website www . angeluspavingstones .com or go visit a local stone yard, such as Santa Barbara Stone . The options are many .

Next steps

Now that you know where you want to plant groundcover and the exposure schedule, visit a local nursery and look at the various options . Terra Sol Garden Center at 5320 Overpass Rd . in Santa Barbara has a very good selection of groundcovers to choose from and they offer curbside pick-up . Seaside Gardens at 3700 Via Real in Carpinteria offer some great California natives and grassland selections, plus display gardens to give you some ideas . For color accents you might consider planting some roses . Huge selection and some great advice on how to plant them available at La Sumida Nursery at 165 South Patterson Ave .

One final note

Who could have predicted last March that a year later we’d still be in some sort of lockdown? I sure didn’t . Is there an upside? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: We’re all spending a lot more time at home and hopefully appreciating the beauty that surrounds us . We are the fortunate ones, living in one of the most beautiful places on Earth with a tight-knit community of folks who support one another . Let’s be grateful for that and for our gardens . This too shall pass .

Lisa Cullen, landscape designer and organic gardener, owns Montecito Landscape with her husband, Chris. She can be reached at 805.969.3984 or www.montecitolandscape.com

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The heart of our garden center is our plant nursery. We offer plants from all around the globe that are unique and rare. Come to Terra Sol Garden Center to find inspiration in the meticulously designed outdoor “showrooms” and create a garden unlike your neighbors. Here you will find landscape plants, house plants, pottery, fountains, birdbaths, statuary, arbors and outdoor furniture that will complete your garden vision.

Open to the Public Tuesday-Sunday 9am-4pm/Closed Mondays 5320 Overpass Road, Santa Barbara CA 93111 (805) 964-7811