HABITAT: Annual and perennial plants native to various sections of the world used as below with the following descriptions and hardiness zones.

USES: Cover for bare areas, carpeting shady areas, mulch for weed control, setting for bulbs and garden statuary, soil erosion, variety, regulate foot traffic, tie in shrubbery and flower beds, reduce maintenance.

HABIT: Low growing, vining, creeping of various heights, textures and colors. Evergreen or deciduous. Broadleaf or narrow leaf. Slow to rapid growth.

SEED GERMINATION: As listed with each item.

CULTURE: Generally all require similar treatment; good garden soil,  deeply worked, enriched with humus (leaf mold, peat, compost, etc.), with well-rotted manure or a commercial fertilizer such as Mag Amp, a slow release fertilizer which supplies nutrients as the plant requires it; incorporated into the soil, will supply nutrients over an entire year or growing season. Some require sun, some shade, or combinations. All demand good surface and internal drainage. Dry to wet soils. An initial mulch or winter protection is generally advisable. Planted at any time of the year if they are well rooted or in containers. Late fall, winter, and early spring. Spacing depends on species (small plants 4-8"), vining plants 12-18", and small shrubs 3' (the closer the spacing, the quicker the covering). Keep area free of weeds and grasses until established. Trim plants which get out of bounds and prune to remove weak, diseased, or unsightly growth.

INSECTS: Like all plants, preventative medicine is better than waiting until it is "too late". Red spider, worms, etc., are most common. Sprays of Malathion, Rotenone, and Permaguard are helpful.

DISEASES: Not too many, but usually associated with poor drainage, unsanitary conditions; air circulation, sanitary protection will control. Captan or Benomyl most helpful with rotting of plants and mildew.

PROPAGATION: Mostly by division, rooting, and seed.

SPECIES: Listed by name, height, type, hardiness, location, soil requirements, and rate of growth. American Barrenwort (Vancouveria): 15". Zone 5, perennial deciduous, white, yellow, or lavender flowers. Late spring. Semi-shade. Tolerates all soils, by division. Rapid.

Ardisia japonica: 18". Zone 6. Evergreen perennial. Shade. Rich, moist soil. Glossy green leaves. White flowers August-September. Bright red berries.

Aspidistra elator: 24". Zone 7. Evergreen perennial, shade. Rich, loamy soil. By division. Stiff, shiny leaves. Withstands considerable abuse. Purple-brown, bell-shaped flowers. Slow.

Aubrieta: 8". Zone 3. Deciduous perennial. Mauve to deep purple. Sun. Gritty, well-drained soil. Occasional shearing helpful. Rapid. By seed sown on milled sphagnum moss kept moist at 75°. Transplant to area. Also by division after flowering.

Beach Wormwood (Artemisia): 18-24'. Zone 2. Perennial creeper. Soft and silky, white, oak-like leaves. Small yellow flowers. Tolerates salt spray, hot, dry, and sandy soil. By root division or cuttings. Little or no fertilizer. Clip to thicken growth. Rapid.

Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi): 12". Zone 2. Fine textured, broadleaf, evergreen trailing. Dark foliage. Red fruit. Sun. Stony, sandy, or acid soil. By soft and hardwood cuttings and by seeds. Refrigerate seeds 6-8 weeks, then sow on milled sphagnum moss at 75°. White, bell-shaped flowers. March-June. Moderate growth.

Bedstraw (Galium Verum): 24". Zone 3. Deciduous perennial. Coarse foliage. Yellow flowers June-September. Poor soil and full sun. Shear to keep neat. By root division. Birds-Foot Trefoil (Lotus Corniculatus): 6-12". Zone 4. Perennial. Tolerates drought, heat, poor soil. Can be sheared. By root division, cuttings, and seed. 70°, 1-2 weeks.

Blue Fescue (Festuca Ovina Glauca): 6-8". Zone 3. Blue- gray grass in neat mounds. Perfect drainage. Dry soil. Sun or part shade. By division or seed. Prechill seed 4-6 weeks, then sow at 80° in milled sphagnum. 1-2 weeks. Likes heat. Plant 1' apart.

Blue Leadwort (Ceratostigma Plumbaginoides): 6-12". Zone 5. Evergreen perennial. Deep blue flowers late summer. Sun or semi-shade. Ordinary soil. By root division. Rapid.

Bluets (Houstonia Caerulea): 4-6". Zone 1. Evergreen perennial. Creeper. Blue flowers April-May. Moist, woodsy, acid soil. Shade. By division.

Bugleweed (Ajuga): 4-8". Zone 4. Perennial. Blue-purple flowers. Sun-shade. Tolerates most soils. Requires adequate moisture. By division or seed. Rapid.

Bunchberry (Cornus Canadensis): 9". Zone 2. Perennial. Carpet. White flowers. Red berries. Moist, acid soil, rich in humus. Flowers May-July. Best in cooler climates. High shade. By sod.

Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis): 3-6". Zone 3. Fine cut, fragrant foliage. Requires mowing. Yellow flowers. By seed, 80°. Sun.

Cinquefoil (Potentilla Tridentata): 6". Zone 2. Glossy, strawberry-like leaves. White flowers. Hot, dry areas. Average soil on acid side. Sun. By root division.

Cotoneaster: 1-3". Zone 5-6. Low growing, fan-like habit. Sun, semi-shade. Any well-drained soil, even of poor quality. Best in hot, dry areas. Tolerate banks, slopes, and ex- posure to wind. Deep rooted. (INSECTS: Scale, lace bug, red spider: Malathion and Permaguard to control. DISEASES: Fire blight: Captan, Fermate.) White or pink flowers June. Red fruits. By cuttings.

Cowberry (Vaccinium Vitis Idaea): 12". Zone 5. Evergreen perennial with small, glossy leaves. Pink, bell-shaped flowers. Red berries. Moist, acid soil. Sun-shade. Best in cooler climates. By root divisions, cutting, or layering.

Creeping Baby's Breath (Gypsophila Repens): 6". Zone 3. Silvery gray foliage trailer. Perennial. Pink-white flowers in summer. Well-drained soil, with plenty of humus and lime. Sun. By root cuttings, division, or seed. Sow seed in milled sphagnum moss 70-75°.

Creeping Lily Turf (Liriope Spicata): 12". Zone 5. Grass-like evergreen perennial. Sun-shade. Head, dry, almost any type of soil. Tolerates salt spray. Dark green foliage. Purple flowers. By division.

Creeping Phlox: 6-12". Zone 2. Evergreen. Deciduous. Perennial. Blue, pink, white flowers. April. Needle-like foliage. Few insect problems. Acid soil with good drainage. Sun. By divi- sion, cuttings, and seed. Refrigerate seeds 4-6 weeks, then germinate in darkness 70°.

Creeping Snowberry (Gaultheria Hispidula): 2-3". Zone 2. Evergreen. Perennial. Sun or part shade. Moist, acid soil with peat and leaf mold. White, bell-shaped flowers. White fruits. Slow.

Creeping Thyme (Thymus Serpyllum): 3". Zone 5. Ever- green. Perennial. Purple flowers. Edging or between stepping stones. Tolerates dry soil. Sun. By division.

Crown Vetch (Coronilla Varia): 12-24". Zone 5. Sun or shade. Pink/white flowers. Best in neutral soil, but tolerates some acid. By cuttings or seed. Scarify (scratch or nick) and inoculate seed prior to sowing.

Daylily (Hemerocallis): 1-2'. Zone 2. Perennial. Sun or shade. Any soil. Withstands drought. No pests. By root division and seed. May refrigerate seed 4 weeks prior to germination/70°.Requires ample fertilizer. Map Amp beneficial. Mag Amp is year round  feeding.

Dead Nettle (Lamium Maculatum): 10". Zone 4. Dark green foliage. Purple flowers, late spring. Sun-shade. Ordinary soil. By root division.

Dichondra (Carolinensis): 2". Zone 7. Small, kidney- shaped leaves. Matting perennial. Sun-shade. Tolerant to most soils. Can be mowed. Withstands some foot traffic. Self-sows. By sods, cuttings, and seeds. Needs good drainage.

Dwarf Bamboo (Sasa): 4-6". Zone 6. Can be mowed. Grass- like. Browns in winter. By division.

Dwarf Holly-Grape (Mahonia Repens): 10'. Zone 6. Ever- green. Shrub. Sun or shade. Any soil. Yellow flowers. By root division.

Dwarf Polygonum, Fleece flower (Polygonum Reynoutria): 12'. Zone 4. December. Perennial. Sun-shade. Rocky or gravely soil. Foliage turns red in fall. By division. Fast.

Dwarf Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis Prostratus): 10". Zone 7. Best on west coast. Sun. Spreader. Dark green evergreen, very fragrant when crushed. Light blue flowers early spring. Well-drained, gravely soil. Little or no fertilizer needed. Tolerates dry areas. By cuttings.

English Ivy (Hedera Helix): 6-8". Zone 5. Coarse foliage. Shade-sun. By cuttings. Dark green foliage.

Evergreen Candytuft (Iberis Sempervirens): 12". Zone 4. Evergreen. Perennial. Shrub sprawler. White flowers at tulip time. Sun or part shade. Good for slopes. Well-drained soil of average fertility. Annual feeding helpful. By divisions, cuttings or seeds/60°, 2 weeks.

Foam Flower (Tiarella Cordifolia): 1'. Zone 4. Maple- like, dark green leaves. Feathery spikes in spring. Shade for moist, average garden soil. By root division.

Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis Scorpioides): 6-10". Zone 5. Shade-sun. Annual or biennial. At home in bog gardens or along streams. Moist soil. By division or seed/55°.

Galax (Aphylla): 6". Zone 2. Broadleafed evergreen. Perennial. White flower spikes June-July. Moist, peaty soil rich in leaf mold. Shade. Deeply prepared soil.

Germander (Teucrium Chamaedrys): 12". Zone 4. Dwarf evergreen shrub with glossy leaves. May burn in winter. Rosy-purple flowers. Well-drained, gritty soil with full sun to part shade. By division or cuttings in June. Likes shearing. Plant 1' apart. Makes nice hedge. Similar to boxwood. Winter mulch helpful in cool area.

Gill-Over-The-Ground (Glecoma hederacea): 6". Zone 2. Moist. Shade. Purple flowers.

Gold-Dust (Alyssum Saxatile): 12". Zone 4. Gray foliage. Yellow flowers. Sun. Ordinary soil and good drainage. Shear. From cuttings and seeds/70°.

Heartleaf Bergenia Cordifolia: 12". Zone 5. Perennial evergreen creeper. Pink-white to rosy-purple flowers during spring. Moist shady soil. By division or seeds sown in spring. Seed/70°.

Goldthread (Coptis): 4" Zone 4. Evergreen. Perennial. White flowers spring. Shade. Moist, acid soil. By division. Waxy flowers.

Goutweed (Aegopodium podograria variegatum): 6-14". Zone 3. December. Perennial. Creeper. Green and variegated forms (latter best). Sun-shade. Flat, white, Queen Anne's Lace-like flowers. June. By cuttings.

Goldmoss Stonecrop (Sedum Acre): 4". Zone 4. For dry soil. By division or cuttings.

Ground Ivy (Nepeta hederacea): 3". Zone 3. Perennial. Creeper. Sun-shade. By division.

Halls Honeysuckle (Lonicera Japonica halliana): 18-24". Zone 5. Clean foliage and fragrant flowers. Evergreen, perennial vine. Any type of soil. Sun-shade. Prune yearly for control. By division, cutting, or roots.

Heaths & Heathers (Erica, Calluna): Low-growing shrubs. Full sun. Exposure to wind, hot, dry soil. Heaths have needle-like foliage. Heathers have scale-like, overlapping leaves re- sembling miniature junipers. By root cuttings, layering, or division.

Ice Plant (Mesembryanthemum): 6". Zone 5. Annual and perennial. Evergreen. Trailers. Bright flowers thrive at seashore. Suitable for hot, dry places. Ordinary soil on poor side. Sun. Tolerates drought and wind. Very sensitive to frost. Perennial by cuttings. Annual by seed/75°.

Houseleek (Sempervivum): 1-3". Zone 4. Ideal for poor, gritty soil. Drainage absolute necessity. Sun. By division and seed/75°.

Japanese Holly (Ilex Crenata): 24". Zone 6. Low growing evergreen. Semi-shade. Slow by plants.

Juniper: 1-2'. Zone 2. Regular soil. Annual fertilizer. Sun. Horizontal evergreen. Soft texture. By rooted cuttings.

Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis): 6". Zone 5. Evergreen. Perennial. Shade to semi-shade. (Insects: Scale: Malathion to control.) By root division, cuttings. Spoon-shaped leaves with white spikes in May. Well-drained soil with ample humus. Annual top dressing helpful. Mulch when planting. Fast.

Lamb's Ears (Stachys lanata): Low creeping perennial. Gray, woolly foliage with reddish spikes early summer. Sun. Well-drained, gritty, slightly sloping areas. By division. 1 - 1 1/2'. Zone 4.

Lantana Montevidensis: 12-18". Zone 7. Trailing or creeping. December. Perennial. Annual in North. Pink-lavender, yellow and white flowers. Well-drained, light sandy loam. Sun. Tolerates drought, wind. Little or no fertilizer. By cuttings.

Lavender Cotton (Santolina Chamaecyparissus): 15". Zone 5. Dwarf spreading shrub. Sun. Well-drained, poor, gritty soil. Silver-gray evergreen foliage. Yellow flowers summer. By cuttings.

Lily-of-the-Valley (Convallaria Majalis): 6". Zone 2. Sun-shade. Soft green leaves with fragrant, white, bell-shaped flowers May. By division during growing season. Plant pips 6-8" apart. Ordinary soil, regular feeding, adequate moisture.

Lily-Turf (Liriope, Ophiopogon): 8-18". Zone 5. Evergreen. Perennial. Most soils. Shade. Tolerates heat, drought, and salt spray. Flower spikes blue or white resembling grape hyacinth. Divide every few years.

Lungwort (Pulmonaria Saccharata): 6-9". Zone 3. Shade. Moist, ordinary garden soil with added humus. Blue flowers. By division after flowering.

Matgrass, Capeweek (Lippia canescens): 3". Zone 7. Perennial. Tolerates salt spray. Can be mowed. Takes traffic. By cuttings or sods. Sun. Fast.

Mazus Reptans: 1" Zone 5. Perennial. Lavender flowers resembling snap dragons. Moist soil. Sun or shade. Fast.

Memorial Rose (Rosa wichuraiana): 1". Zone 5. Low trailer. Semi-evergreen foliage with white flowers. 2" diameter. Withstands salt and sand. Prepare soil with fertilizer, such as Mag-Amp, and good garden soil. By cuttings or seed.

Moneywort (Lysimachia Nummularia): 3". Zone 3. Creeper. Yellow flowers like buttercups. Moist soil in sun-shade. By root cuttings.

Moss Sandwort (Arenaria verna caespitosa): 1". Zone 2. Moss-like, low creeper with white flowers. Takes traffic. Sun or part shade. Moist, well-drained soil except heavy clay. By divi- sion or seed. Ample fertilizer. Seed/70.

Pachistima canbyi: 1'. Zone 5. Low spreading evergreen resembling boxwood. Prepare soil with peat or organic material. Prefers rocky soil, with humus. Sun-part shade. Reddish flowers. By division or cuttings.

Partridge Berry (Mitchella Repens): 2". Zone 3. White- veined evergreen leaves and fragrant white to pink flowers followed by red berries. Moist, acid soil. Shade. By sods.

Periwinkle (Vinca minor and major): 6". Zone 3. Ever green. Perennial trailer with dark green foliage and purple, blue, or white flowers. Vinca major is about 8" with larger leaves. Sun or part shade. High nitrogen fertilizer. Requires good drainage. By division or root cuttings.

Plantain-Lily, Hosta, or Funkia (Hosta): 1-3'. Zone 3. Various colored leaves. Some solid or variegated. Flowers mostly blue and purple and white. Flowering in July-September. Average garden soil. Sun-shade. Rich loam is best and best in shade. Annual feeding a must. Divide spring or fall. Little effect of pests or diseases.

Primrose (Primula): 9-24". Zone 4. Wide array of color. May. Light to part shade. Heavy, moist soil of good drainage. Rich in humus. Some difference in soil acidity with varieties. Annual feeding pays dividends. Winter mulch. By division and seed. Requires refrigeration 6-8 weeks, then germination at 65°.

Rock Soapwort (Saponaria ocymoides): 6". Zone 2. Spreader. Deep pink flowers, late spring. Sun. Cut back to control. Well-drained soil. Self-sown seedlings and seed/70°. Fast.

Rose Daphne (Cneorum): 12". Zone 4. Fragrant trailing evergreen. Perennial. Mulch in cool climates. Bright pink flowers April-May. Best on slopes and among rocks. Well-drained, sandy soil. Sun to light shade. Humus needed, including peat. Feed with ever green fertilizer early spring. Avoid cultivation around roots. Mulch with peat or oak leaves. Plant 30" apart. Shear after flowering.

St. John's Wort (Hypericum): 19". Zone 4. Light green semi-evergreen foliage with yellow flowers in summer. Sun to semi-shade. Sandy soil. Foliage red in autumn. By cuttings, divisions, or seed. Seed/70°.

Sarcococca hookeriana humilis: 1-2'. Zone 5. Low, broad-leaf evergreen with small, white, fragrant flowers early spring and black berries. Acid soil, rich. Shade. By division and cuttings.

Savory (Satureia): 6-24". Zone 5-7. Dwarf shrub. Rocky, sandy soil for hot, dry areas. Purple-white flowers. Sun. By division and seed/70°.

Silver Mound Artemisia (Artemisia schmidtiana): 4-12". Zone 3. Sun. Poor soil. Silver, finely-cut foliage with yellow flowers. May be sheared. By division.

Snow-in-Summer (Cerastium tomentosum): 6". Zone 2. Gray, woolly foliage with starry white flowers May-June. Needs shearing. Self-sows. Poor soil and sun. By division spring or fall, and seed/70°.

Speedwell (Veronica): 3-12". Zone 3. Blue-pink flowers. Disease free. Sun to light shade. Ordinary garden soil. By division spring or fall.

Stone Cress (Aethionema warleyense): 6". Zone 3. Gray-blue, needle-like leaves with deep pink flower heads May-June. Suited to rocky areas. Sun. Gritty soil with lime mixed in well. By divi- sion or cuttings. Shear after flowering. Mulch with stones.

Strawberries (Fragaria): 6-10". Zone 3. Sun half-day. Acid or alkaline. Fertilize once a year. By division of clumps and seed/70°. One foot apart with winter mulch.

Strawberry Geranium (Saxifraga sarmentosa): 3". Zone 6. Runners. White or pink flowers June. Evergreen. Perennial. By division or rooting, also seed/70°. Requires moist, shady, acid soil.

Sweet Woodruff (Asperula odorata): 6-8". Zone 4. Perennial. 4-pointed white star flowers early spring. Average garden soil with ample humus. By division.

Thrift (Armeria maritima): 4-10". Zone 1. Most soil except heavy loam. Hot, dry location and seashore tolerated. Requires excellent drainage. Best in sand or gritty soils. Pink, bell-shaped flowers at Iris time. By division. Plant 8" apart.

Thyme (Thymus Serpyllum): 2-4". Zone 2. Varied range flower colors. Fragrant foliage when crushed. Best in sun. Hot, dry, rocky soil on poor side. By division, rooting, or seed/70°. Prefers lime but will grow in slightly acid soil.

Turfing Daisy (Matricaria tchihatchewi): 4". Zone 4. Lawn substitute. Finely cut foliage with white daisy flowers. Stands traffic. Poor soil, hot, dry locations. Frequent watering and feeding essential.

Verbena bipinnatifida: 8-12". Zone 2. Hot, dry places. Low trailer with purple flowers and crinkly foliage. Well-drained soil. Flowers spring-frost. Full sun. By cuttings, division, or seed/70°.

Violets (Viola): 3-18". zone 2. Shade. Self-sows. Some fragrant. Well-drained garden soil. Some varieties need moist, rich loam. By division or seed/65° in darkness.

Wall Rock Cress (Arabis): 4-10". Zone 3. Trailer. Sun- shade. General soil. Evergreen. Perennial. By root division spring and fall. May be sheared.

Wild Ginger (Asarum): 6". Zone 4. Moist shade with humus. Evergreen. Perennial. Creeper. By cuttings.

Wintercreeper (Euonymus): 2-12'. Zone 4. May be clipped. Some evergreen forms. Any well-drained soil. Sun-shade. By division and cuttings. Scale insects controlled by Malathion.

Wintercreeper and Salal (Gaultheria): 4-15". Zone 2. Evergreen. Perennial. Moist, acid soil. Shade. Red berries. By division and seed. Seed requires a triple cold treatment.

Woolly Yarrow (Achillea tomentosa): 6". Zone 2. Silver-green, mat-like evergreen foliage with bright yellow flowers early summer. Poor soil, hot, dry location. Low perennial. By division.

Ferns: Rich, moist, humusy shade generally 12-36". Some evergreen. Good as companion to azaleas, etc. By division and spores.

ANNUALS AS GROUND COVERS include species such as Creeping Zinnia (Sanvitallia procumbens), Dwarf Morning Glory (Ipomea), Fig Marigold or Ice Plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum), Pinks (Dianthus), Poppies, Portulaca, Sweet Alyssum, Verbena.

VINES AS GROUND COVERS: In addition to the above vines are: Akebia Quinata: 15-20'. Zone 4. Sun-shade

Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens): 10-20'. Zone 2. Sun-shade. Seed/70°.

Black-Eyed Susan (Thunbergia alata): 6'. Zone 4. Sun. Seed/70°.

Carolina Jasmine (Gelsemium sempervirens): Evergreen. Sun-shade. Any soil.

Climbing Hydrangea (peteolaris): Good soil. Sun-shade. Free of insect pests.

Kudsu Vine (Pueraria thunbergiana): 3'. Zone 6. Sun-shade.

Matrimony Vine (lycium chinense): 8-10'. Zone 4. Any soil.

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus): 5-6'. Zone 4. Annual. Hot, dry, poor sandy soil.

Star Jasmine (Trachelspermum jasminodes): 10'. Zone 7. (Confederate) evergreen. Sun-shade. Any soil.

Clematis paniculata: 10-15'. Zone 5. Sun-shade. Rocky soil.

Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia): 30'. Zone 5. Any soil.

REMARKS: Lawn grass is still one of the best ground covers that can be used. For versatility, etc., any of the above will fit in nicely. Regardless of the specific use or uses for ground covers, the various plants, as listed above, would provide enough for anyone in any location and for any purpose with its own specific requirements. No matter what is used, combinations of any ground covers with bulbs, shrubs, perennial and annual flowers and statuary provide year round, or near year round, enjoyment and satisfaction.