Groundcover
Groundcovers are plants that form the floor of the landscape. They are versatile plants that can grow in full sun, part shade and even in deep shade conditions.These close-to-the-ground plants can also provide multiple benefits. Groundcover plants help prevent soil erosion and are wonderful at stabilizing the soil on slopes. Many varieties can be walked on so they work well as an alternative to lawn grass and help prevent weeds. Other varieties provide seasonal flowering interest that make them strong candidates in a border garden. If looking for a low-maintenance and cost effective plant, groundcovers are the way to go.
When using groundcover plants, be sure to pay close attention to the plant tag. Water requirements vary for different species of groundcover. Groundcover can be planted any time during the growing season, but mid-spring to early summer is ideal. Early fall also works since the cool, moist weather allows the plants to become established faster. For quick cover in a garden bed, it is best to stagger the plants. In general, it takes about two years for the groundcover to establish. Let Brady Nursery’s knowledgeable staff help you with your groundcover selection.
VINES
Vines aren’t just for areas with limited space. As they twine, cling and reach for the sky, they’re extremely useful as screens from unappealing views. They also work well for accenting a post or wall, shading a deck, and providing flowers or fruit. Before deciding which vines to include in your garden, it’s important to think about how and where you’ll use them. In highly visible areas, like around a mailbox, look for vines that will have attractive foliage year round.
It’s also important to know which type of structure your plant will need. Vines either climb by twining, like honeysuckles; attach with tendrils, like sweet peas and passion flowers; or latch on with aerial rootlets, like climbing hydrangeas. If vines twine or climb with tendrils then a trellis, arbor or similar structure will be needed. These types of vines can also grow on strings, wire, lattices, fence or slender poles tied together in a teepee shape. Vines with heavy, woody stems can pull down supports so it’s important that they’re firmly anchored in the ground. Vines with aerial roots need to grow on or near surfaces such as brick or stone walls. But their tiny roots can poke into crevices, eventually causing bricks and other materials to crack and crumble. Plant aerial-rooted vines on trellises or lattices installed slightly in front of the wall so the vine can’t become attached.
