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Using Ground Covers, Flowers and Lawn
Planting Ground Covers
If ground covers are considered, choose one best suited to your location:
- Will there be foot traffic? Avoid succulent or fragile plants in these areas.
- Are other plants growing within the area? Check how tall your ground cover will grow to avoid blocking other plants.
- Are there roots, valves or meters you want the ground cover to hide?
- Do seasonal conditions vary? Full sun in spring when trees are bare, shade when trees have leafed out.
- How fast will the area need to be covered? For example,
vines are fast growing but cannot handle foot traffic. Another example, thyme is durable, but is slow to fill in.
- What are the water requirements of other plants in the area? Will all plants be on the same watering schedule? Will the ground cover need a separate station on the
irrigation system due to different water needs?
Planting Flowers
Flowers can brighten, soften, highlight or disguise elements of your home's landscape, adding another dimension to the foundation you've created with trees and shrubs. After you've planted everything else, plant flowers to accent the theme or elements of your landscape.
Create Practical Lawn Areas
Because they use the most water, limit lawns to areas where they are truly needed. If you have plants that would benefit from overspray, place them next to the lawn. The easiest lawn to maintain has no trees in it or "islands" of plants, because they impede sprinkler patterns. Avoid areas that require a unique sprinkler pattern. Instead, try a flower bed, a shade tree, or enlarging an adjacent deck or patio. Planting turf on slopes is not recommended due to water runoff.
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