Published 10 August 2021

Groovy Groundcovers

Architectural, sculptural style groundcovers

Gardens with groundcover plantings look complete.  Groundcovers can introduce an extra layer of interest to the garden, provide insulation to the soil, as well as give a home to the little critters that keep our gardens healthy. They can also be used to reduce the extent of lawn - introducing a sculptural and artistic flavour to the garden.  There are some interesting plants to consider for those tricky uneven sections, between steppers and places calling for a statement plant.

Casuarina glauca Cousin It – if you would like to create an eye catching sculptural quality to your garden, it’s hard to go past Casuarina glauca Cousin It (or sometimes called Kattang Karpet). Great for cascading over rockeries, creating interest near a path or spilling over retaining walls.
Spreading to 1.5m,  it is a good lawn alternative.  It likes well drained soil and full sun.

Dichondra argentea Silver Falls – you may have seen this stunning silver to grey-green leaved plant used as a spill-over plant in pots or along the edge of wall, but it can used as a very effective and beautiful ground cover between stepping stones.
Grows well in full sun and semi-shade and is drought tolerant, preferring well drained soil.

Zoysia tenuifolia – No-Mow Grass. Grows into small light green mounds when planted 10 - 20cm apart, creating a beautiful and interesting soft effect. A good alternative for sloping spots and around trees and rocks. Grown between linear steppers also creates added interest.
Zoysia grows well in most parts of Australia, in full sun to part shade and tolerates some frost once established. Low growing and spreads approx. 20cm per year. Prefers moist well drained soil.