Apr 24, 2013 - Can't afford that dream deck or in-ground pool you're dying for? The 'Six Hills Giant' cultivar is a good choice for covering large areas. Growing to a height of about 6 inches with a spread of 9 inches, it has waxy green leaves that should be removed as they turn brown. Most people are so flattered at the compliment that they will give me the cutting rather than charge anything. I finished the edges of my new path off with pea gravel and sprinkled it with pretty marbles and colored stones. David Beaulieu is a garden writer with nearly 20 years experience writing about landscaping and over 10 years experience working in nurseries. Call the city for details. It is up to the reader to determine if advice is safe and suitable for their own situation. Start by choosing areas you want to keep as garden beds. This is a large plant with a horizontal growth habit (thus its species name). Poke holes in the fabric and plant the junipers, then cover the fabric with mulch. It is much less noticeable at other times of the year, but that doesn't detract from its role as a spring superstar. Check out garage sales. On the other hand, keeping it in check requires occasional cutting back of the stems, which can actually self-root if they fall off naturally. Buy your gravel or landscaping stones from a quarry instead of a department store. Take a look at these ground-covering ideas, and see how low-growing ground covers can improve the look of your landscape in … They will be happy to let you take some, as they have to pay for the removal. If you click on one of the affiliate links, The Dollar Stretcher could be compensated. This plant can be easily divided, so you can start with one plant, and in a year or two, you will have more than enough. Don’t forget to check with them at the end of the season when the planting season is over. Sun-loving ground covers, such as creeping thyme (Thymus praecox) and candytuft (Iberis spp), which grow in USDA zones 5 through 9, and shade-loving plants such as mini Kenilworth ivy … I will admire the plant and ask where they bought it, or ask if I can buy a root cutting, etc. It spreads by reseeding, but it never will spread enough to become a problem. This article may contain affiliate links. Care requirements for creeping phlox are few. You can obtain tons of free mulch at the local compost site. Now I get comments all the time on my lovely, homemade path. Glenda W. in Elmhurst, IL, What a wonderful opportunity you have to create a beautiful landscape. Nepeta x faassenii is one such species that does make for a good ground cover, since it has the ability to crowd out weeds. They agreed and did her yard. Synthetic turf provides an even, level playing surface that drains well, never needs … Here are 14 ground cover plants that shouldn't try to take over (too much) and don't need a lot of care. Do this every year, and soon you will have a lush green lawn. We collect stunning pictures of gardens created by talented professionals and provide you with all the information you … Subscribers get a copy of our ebook Little Luxuries: 130 Ways to Live Better...For Less for FREE! She needed landscaping done and called a new company that had left a flyer on her door. Heather, © 1995-2021 The Dollar Stretcher, Inc. | All rights reserved except where specifically noted. Subscribe to The Dollar Stretcher, our free twice-weekly newsletter aimed at helping you live better for less on the money you already have! And get a copy of our ebook Little Luxuries: 130 Ways to Live Better...For Less for FREE! This plant can be easily divided, so you can start with one plant, and in a year or two, you will have more than enough. 7 Popular Ground Covers to Enhance Any Yard A great solution to those patchy parts of your landscape, "ground cover" is a general term for perennials that are known for their ability to spread. Subscribe to The Dollar Stretcher, our free twice-weekly newsletter aimed at helping you live better for less on the money you already have! Free and Extremely Cheap Sources of Mulch, Repurposing Items for Your Garden and Outdoor Living Space, Cheap and Free Sources for Landscaping Materials, 12 Frugal Landscape Tips for Filling Your Yard with Plants, 5 Simple Budget Cuts That Can Save $200 a Month, How to Read Your Grocery Ad Like an Insider, 32 Ways to Save Money on Your Utility Bills, The Rule of 72 (or How to Easily Double Your Debt), 5 Simple Habits That Make a Financial Difference, Staying Motivated to Continue Digging Yourself Out of Debt, 9 Things You Need to Do Before You Retire, You Didn’t Save Enough for Retirement and You’re 55+, Could Debt Derail Your Retirement? Green Carpet (Herniaria Glabra) - This lowing growing ground cover only reaches about 3 inches in height and forms a matforming green carpet for carpet-bedding, a lawn alternative, low growing container … Ground covers thrive in dry conditions, so they complement troubled areas in a landscape, border, or a hillside. They can let you know what works and what doesn’t work. Frugal landscapers, gardeners and homeowners share their best tips for landscaping on the cheap. Get terrific ideas for landscaping with colorful and low-maintenance ground covers. English ivy is a common, inexpensive ground cover. A great way to make a path is to use newspaper mulch. Replace the light bulbs in an old chandelier with inexpensive solar lights. There are still ways to get a beautiful backyard that's perfect for entertaining. Always research your plant-selection choices to find out if the plant is invasive in your region or if it will spread too aggressively for your needs. They love to get rid of the chips. The best inexpensive ground cover ideas can literally transform an area from a dry, … A great cheap ground cover for walkway areas is creeping phlox. What makes a good inexpensive ground cover for covering that dirt? Cheap Ground Cover Landscaping Ideas 2 Types of Geodesic Domes 3 Cheap Roofing Ideas 4 List of Precious Metals 5 Types of Fire Accelerants 6 Cheap Basement Flooring Ideas Enter Email for … Next, I laid the chunks out in the desired path. If you prefer a similar but less aggressive variety, consider C. montana 'Amethyst Dream'. Growing only about 3 inches tall, this plant spreads over time, crowding out weeds and thus reducing maintenance further. Otherwise, you can kill a lot of plants putting them in the wrong place. If the hill is big, remove the grass in stages so as not to take unnecessary chances with erosion. Kathleen Miller is a Master Gardener and Horticulturist with over 30 years experience in gardening and sustainable farming. Arrange the perennials in your planting bed as you like. More than just attractive, fire pits are a feature that encourages outdoor socializing, … Artificial Grass. Now they are getting more business than ever as a result of being able to use her yard as an example. Ground cover plants do more than just cover ground. Hang it from a tree branch. Now, it looks like a foot path on a hiking trail. Lay old newspapers on the ground, several layers thick, for weed block. You will have to experiment to arrive at the right balance between giving it enough water to keep it alive and giving it so much that it becomes invasive. It can be excellent for covering large areas of difficult terrain, such as slopes where growing grass would be difficult or impossible. How about a nice pathway? This aromatic herb can be an invasive plant when grown in moist soil, where it sometimes spreads out of control. Read on to discover 15 flowering ground covers that are sure to make your outdoor space more attractive, and your yardwork easier. When I go to yard sales, I frequently see unusual plants in seller’s yards. Nepeta x faassenia, commonly called nepeta, nepeta catmint, or Faassen's catmint, is one of several perennial catmint plants. Some ground covers … For a cheap pathway, you can use plain cement pavers with a cheap ground cover grown in between. A single piece will last one season or longer depending on frequency of use. For cheap landscaping, get to know someone in your area who has a beautifully landscaped yard and ask a lot of questions. If those conditions describe your landscape, then you may want to check out this wonderful little relative of the dogwood trees. Creeping thyme is great for dry soil and … Then buy a gallon of concrete stain from a home remodel center and stain the part of concrete that is showing. When planted in full sun it usually needs extra watering, at least until the plant is well established. It has excellent resistance to damage by deer and rabbits. Creeping Liriope (Liriope spicata) Liriope spicata is another potentially invasive ground cover for … You can pick up plants/bushes for as little as $1 each toward the end. To qualify for this list of the best low-maintenance ground covers, a plant has to meet certain criteria: It must be vigorous enough to fill in an area of the landscape that you need to dress up or where you need to keep the weeds down. Sure all of these things could end up being pretty expensive. This shrub flowers from May to July with white flowers, and grows to a maximum height of about 9 inches. When planted in groups, heuchera works well as a ground cover or along garden edging. Most people with mature gardens have tons of plants to give away free for the digging. Creeping thyme (also known as mother of thyme or wild thyme) is a creeping, woody-stemmed perennial that is a favorite plant to use for a low-maintenance ground cover serving as a filler between garden stepping stones. Be quite careful when choosing a ground cover for shade. It is perfect for a small space, perhaps a little garden along a north-facing wall. A Checklist, When You're Really Late to the Retirement Planning Game. First, I measured the area and estimated how many “steps” I’d need. Pachysandra will take a few seasons to establish but once at home … When it comes to the process of installing artificial turf people … The only real maintenance required is trimming it back after it has finished flowering, or whenever it becomes too scraggly for your tastes. Most people are only too willing to help you out with starts of plants. I made a path with the newspapers and then I spread the mulch. Sure, you can hire a landscape company to do the major clean up and tree trimming, but then what? Creeping Thyme The fragrant herb comes in a variety of cultivars that typically grow anywhere from 3 to 6 inches high with dozens and dozens of small, delicate flowers. “The Dollar Stretcher, Inc.” does not assume responsibility for advice given. | Phone: 1 (941) 761-7805. Growing as high as 36 inches, it blooms all summer long with purple flowers. Check with the city or county you live in to see if they have a free mulch or compost site. What plant labels typically fail to mention is that, under the right growing conditions, 'Amethyst in Snow' makes a flowering ground cover that will spread nicely. Karen, When you move into a new home, hold a simple housewarming party with a garden theme. The creeping juniper is a sprawling, creeping needled evergreen that grows to a maximum height of about 18 inches and with a spread that can go as much as 8 feet. Shop several of them on a daily basis. Shop ground cover and a variety of lawn & garden products online at Lowes.com. Rock cotoneaster is considered a full-shun shrub but benefits from some afternoon shade. For free … Note: This plant is considered invasive across much of the northeast, some areas of the northern Midwest, and parts of the Pacific Northwest. Also, join your local “freecycling” group and let them know you’re looking for landscaping materials and plants. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. You can plant this drought-tolerant, low-maintenance ground cover at the edge of a rock garden or other space and more or less forget about it (except for occasional watering) during the summertime. For a more natural look, get two similar terracotta colors and brush randomly on each stone. Arrange the concrete pieces as you like and dig them in, smooth side up, flush with the ground. Some spreading can be nice, but too much becomes a nuisance. Creeping ground covers are easy to plant and quick to establish. Liverleaf (Anemone americana, formerly classified as Hepatica americana) is a perennial wildflower native to North America. Gravel provides a more casual surface underfoot for … What options do you have for landscaping on a budget, especially when you have little grass and mostly weeds and dirt? Sweet woodruff foliage can be dried and used in wreaths, potpourri, and other craft creations. For your lawn, your best bet is Menards or Fleet Farm. If you are looking for something unusual, consider wall germander, a broadleaf woody-stemmed evergreen that is often massed or used as a low hedge along retaining walls or in knot gardens. Bunchberry is a shade-loving deciduous shrub native to northern portions of North America. Remove any weeds by tilling/pulling and cover with a healthy bed of mulch. Or you can try some of these inexpensive landscaping ideas from fellow frugal landscapers and gardeners to create a beautifully landscaped yard both you and your budget will love. For each one I dug about two feet down, so that the flat top is flush with the ground. Living, Dog-Friendly Ground Covers. I made a patio area with two different colors in a checkerboard pattern and put “snow in summer” in between. We are fortunate in our area to have an excellent nature program associated with our public schools (beginning in kindergarten), and the knowledge base is priceless! The most popular brands … This method can take a few years to culminate, but the price is right. Creeping phlox is a short plant often seen covering the side of a hill or retaining wall with colorful spring flowers. You could end up with a dirt yard that is in desperate need of landscaping. Could your yard use a makeover? Little Luxuries: 130 Ways to Live Better...For Less. Well, you can use them for inspiration. Many are perennials, some are annuals, and some make good ground covers, though they can be overly aggressive in favorable locations. Wherever I’d see broken-up chunks of concrete, I’d stop and ask if I could take a few of the smaller pieces. In our area, if you take in the forms you want poured for stepping stones, the cement company will pour these for free and when they have dried you can go back and pick them up. Mulch and gravel are the cheapest pathway materials you can buy for rock walkways, and they make construction simple, too, making them two of our favorite walkway ideas. The leaves are fragrant, and deep pink flowers bloom from June through July. Turf lawn grasses are by far the most popular ground cover plant in residential landscapes, but sometimes grass just isn't practical, either because the conditions of the site aren't amendable to fostering grass or perhaps because the maintenance of a grass lawn is not something you want to commit to. It spreads via rhizomes, a trait that can be a double-edged sword. For free perennials, check online for a plant exchange group in your area. You can always move them around next year if you don’t like the arrangement. When I moved into my house as a single mom, I received hostas, a climbing mandevilla and some daylilies this way! If you find such a plant (and several are included in our list), then you may find that it is invasive. I also saw a beautiful path in a book made up of broken up driveway cement. When shopping for this plant, be sure to ask for Aurinia saxatilis or yellow allyssum, not sweet alyssum, which is an entirely different species. Some times ago, we have collected imageries to bring you perfect ideas, we really hope that you can take some inspiration from these artistic photographs. Fortunately, there are a number of other living ground cover plants to choose from. Similar landscape rocks and stones cost around $2 to $3 each, so I saved about $60! It can even thrive in the acidic conditions under large pine trees. Ask them to give you a deal on quantity or anything that is likely to be thrown out. A variety of cultivars are available, including Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Rug'. If you don't want a solid carpet of ground-cover plants, mulch is a simple and inexpensive way to fill the gaps between them. This works especially well for companies that are first starting out and need referrals. You can find the best deals then. It must not be so vigorous that it will become a problem plant. Four to five inches thick will keep weeds at a minimum. Its native habitat is wooded areas, so it is perfect for a shady woodland garden. Check with your local cement company. The nepeta genus includes roughly 250 species. This one a horticultural hybrid developed by crossing Nepata racemosa with N. nepetella. The next year, I began buying stones to place in the middle of the mulch to make it look even better and also easier to walk on. 'Angelina Sedum' is easy to propagate by rooting, so you can quickly fill an area with its succulent foliage. Keep in mind that there is no truly pet-proof ground cover, but if you are looking for something to plant between stepping stones or in small backyard areas, these are good … Exclusive interview jack monroe, Long lasting battery life well fully equipped keyboard cover … Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) Creeping phlox is a short plant often seen covering the side of a hill … Wherever its branches make contact with the soil, it will put down roots, creating new plants. A ground cover is a plant or collection of plants that grow low to the ground and rapidly develop, covering large areas in a lawn or landscape. The plant prefers partial shade or full sun and well-draining moist soil. Shaunna. Flowering ground covers provide color and attractive foliage, adding interest to a garden. They offered organic landscaping services. Some books from the library can help you decide how to plant your gardens. Best not to mix vigorous …