Groundcover Superstars

erin conant

Sometimes you just need to shake things up, especially when it comes to groundcover. We’ve become so accustomed to the same old English ivy or Asiatic jasmine, that we often overlook the many superstar turf substitutes out there.

Here are a few groundcover options that you might like to incorporate into your landscape as turf substitutes:

  • Clover Fern – This Texas native’s soft texture beckons you to run your open palms across the fluffy tops. Although clover fern isn’t seen in landscapes too often, it can handle moist or dry soil, full sun or dappled shade, and rapidly covers bare soil.
  • Thyme and Oregano – Low-growing thyme and oregano spread quickly, smell wonderful when brushed against, and look stunning between stepping stones and in rock gardens.
  • Orbexilum – Another Texas native, this plant is a best kept secret that does very well in full sun or partial shade and forms a thick mat of dark green foliage. Orbexilum has texture-rich purple blooms in early summer and seeds that are a fine food source for wildlife.

Lucky for us, all of these beauties can be found at San Antonio-area nurseries that specialize in locally-grown and native flora.

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