One thing I really like about this new book on ground covers is the way it's organized. In Covering Ground (Storey Publishing, 2007) author Barbara Ellis first tells you how to make the most of ground cover plants: where and how to use them; selecting them for height, foliage, and speed of spread; how to integrate them with hardscape. I particularly liked the section on invasive plants and Ellis's list of the "Dirty Dozen," -- 12 plants you should use reluctantly, if at all.
Second, Ellis covers the site requirements: sun lovers, small-scale spreaders, shrubby ground covers for sun & shade, native ground covers, conifers for covering, plants for paving, vines for covering ground -- and so on. And there's a third section on installing, propagating, and caring for the plants.
And if you think you know all there is to know about ground covers, think again. Just when I'm certain I've heard of almost everything on the market, someone like Ellis pops up with 10 or more plants that are totally new to me. My only wish for this book (and most others like it) is for a photo to go with every plant description -- and that's a message for the publishers. A very useful book for homeowners and designers alike.
(click on image to purchase book)
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