Studies show that gardening is good for your health and mental wellbeing.

But not if you have large areas of bare ground that you can’t seem to fill up! This can be an eyesore and frustration for any gardener. 

Fortunately, there is an easy solution to this problem. Whether you are waiting for other plants to grow in, or need to cover an ugly expanse, ground covers are your friend. They can provide fast-growing cover, keep your beds moist, and keep down the weeds. 

However, before you rush out and plant the first ground cover you find, it’s important to know which will do well and be most attractive. If you want to plant a ground cover that looks amazing, and thrives, keep reading. 

1. Thyme

One of the most popular ground covers in the US is from the thyme family. This attractive clan of ground covers sports delicate flowers in an array of colors, ranging from purple to pink, orange, red, and cream. 

What’s more, creeping thyme is also a relatively hardy option compared to other ground cover plants. While it does best in fertile, and well-drained soil, it can tolerate heavier and less fertile soils as well. Creeping time is also versatile in that it can grow in full sun to light shade and can tolerate a range of conditions. 

Because creeping time is not the fastest spreader, propagating is usually best done by seed. To do this, begin by removing the mulching from your beds. Although there are many benefits of mulch, a thick mulch layer will smother the germinating seeds. 

2. Creeping Sedums

Got a dry bed? If so, you might want to consider creeping sedums. This is a full sun ground cover that requires minimal watering. 

Besides being easy to take care for, creeping sedums also sport an attractive array of colors. During the colder months, the spikes on this ground cover turn eye-catching shades of red and orange. Come spring and summer, creeping sedums put out attractive sprays of yellow blossoms. 

3. Meadow Anemone

Native to North America and also known as Canadian anemone, the meadow anemone is a vigorous grower and an evergreen ground cover. In contrast to creeping sedums, meadow anemones do best in wet areas. This makes them an ideal choice for overly damp and waterlogged spots in the garden. 

Meadow anemones grow from underground rhizomes, and given enough moisture are guaranteed to push forth abundant foliage and blooms. Their starry white flowers bloom in spring through summer and are prolific. 

As far as sunlight, this North American native does well in full sun as well as partial shade. 

4. Purple New Zealand Burr

Depending on your location, you might also be able to plant purple New Zealand burr. This exotic groundcover has striking dark purple foliage, which can make for a stunning contrast against other garden elements and plants. 

Purple New Zealand burr grows best in planting zones 6-9. In full sun, it will develop its signature dark purple hues. In shaded areas, the leaves will turn dark a verdant green. 

Like meadow anemone, purple New Zealand burr also does best in moist conditions. Besides this requirement, it is relatively hardy and can handle cold temperatures well. 

Do You Need to Pick up a Few Beautiful Ground Cover Species?

Now that you know about some top ground cover options, do you need to pick up a few ground cover species for your garden? If so, visit our 2-acre nursery on Long Island. Once here, for some top-notch plant selection advice, make sure you speak to Carlos Ascencio, our nursery manager, who has been with us for more than 30 years. 

We look forward to seeing you!

Gone are the days where garden beds used to be raked bare and the topsoil left to bake in the sun. 

A growing body of research is showing that mulching improves soil quality, enhances water retention, and improves the vigor of both agricultural and ornamental plants. 

Mulching is becoming a garden essential. However, before you dump the first load of organic matter you find onto your garden, there are some tips you need to know to maximize mulch use. 

Don’t Use Too Much 

Mulching provides a protective layer that shelters the delicate topsoil of your garden beds, where the vast majority of the soil organisms in your garden live. This layer of organic matter also provides a microclimate where those important soil microbes can colonize and thrive.

However, more is not always better. Piling on mulching too thickly can prevent moisture from reaching the soil of your beds. It can also impact plant health if pushed up against the bases of trees and shrubs. 

When mulching your yard, keep mulch thickness to 1-2 inches if using fine material, and 3-4 inches for coarse material. Also, ensure that mulching is kept away from the tree trunks and plant stems. 

Know Your Mulches

Mulching is a blanket term that covers just about any organic material that can be spread out and used to protect the soil. 

Before you invest in mulching for your garden, make sure you choose the right kind of mulch. 

First up, ensure that the mulching you get is from a reputable source. The last thing you want is to layer your garden with organic material that is harboring weed seeds. Or one that was made using treated wood or sprayed plants. 

You will also need to choose whether you want aged mulch or fresh mulch. Aged mulch is ideal for areas of your garden that need a soil boost. However, aged mulch will not last as long as fresh mulch. 

Fresh mulch is perfect for beds where the soil is already rich and you want longer lasting cover. 

Another thing to consider is whether you want colored mulch. Colored mulching is stained with vegetable dyes and will keep its color for up to 3 years. Regular mulch will turn grey within a few months. 

If you want to use mulching to enhance curb appeal and the design of your garden, then colored mulch might be a fun choice. However, if you simply want to care for your garden and want a simple solution, regular mulching is also just fine. 

Now You Know How to Maximize Mulch Use

Mulching is an easy and cost-effective way to keep your garden in tip-top shape. The key tips to maximize mulch use is to avoid mulching too thickly, know what type of mulch you want, and get it from a reliable source. 

If you need to find a reputable supplier of mulching in Massapequa, we are here to help. Specializing in landscaping, we also deliver high-quality mulches.

Check out our delivery services today or contact us if you have any queries and we will be happy to help!

90% of American homeowners with yards think it’s important to keep them well-maintained. If you’re one of them, then you probably want to spruce up your lawn to make it as beautiful as possible.

But what are some landscape trends in 2020? If you need some inspiration, then you’re in luck.

Here are 5 unique landscape ideas and designs you need this summer.

1. Topiaries

You might think topiaries are outdated, but you’d only be partially right. There’s so much you can do with it that it’d never truly be out of style!

Whether you want to clip your shrubbery into simple shapes or ornate designs, you can always switch it up whatever you want. You can either take up this type of landscaping as a hobby or have some professionals create beautiful and impeccable pieces of art.

2. Climbing Vines

If you’re getting bored with your home, planting a few climbing vines can make all the difference.

Once these flower, your home will burst with color and natural vibrance. You can even plant different vines throughout the year to not only get a change of scenery but to also have continuously growing greenery.

3. Stone Path

This is a really easy and simple way to redo your yard and give it a new look. Create a path to your door with some large-cut stones. This will give visitors an easy and safe way to get through your yard.

In addition, a stone path can strongly draw people’s eyes up to your house, where you might want to showcase its architecture. This type of path also keeps things looking natural, which can help it blend into the rest of your greenery.

4. Water Feature

Do you enjoy the natural beauty of waterfalls? Do you also love the sound of water gently trickling? Then a water feature is what you need.

A professional landscaper can help you create water features that blend in perfectly with your yard’s existing features. If you have the space for it, you can even have a pond installed at the bottom of your new waterfall.

5. Arched Garden Trellis

Putting an arched garden trellis into your yard can create a shaded haven for when the temperatures start rising. These will have lush and fragrant flowers blooming all over them, which can be a sight to see.

Not only will this make your yard more gorgeous, but it’ll also attract butterflies and birds to your property. Not to mention, it’ll also smell great whenever you step outside!

Use These Unique Landscape Ideas for Your Home

With these unique landscape ideas, you have a great starting point for upgrading the look of your backyard. Make sure to put your own special touch on them to really make it your own!

Would you like some assistance with landscape ideas? Then get in touch with us now. We’ll be more than happy to help make your dreams into a reality!