ÚÄ¿ Ü ÜÄ¿ ³ ÜÄ¿ ÜÄ¿ ¿ Ü ÂÄÜ ÚÄÛ Û ÜÄ¿ Ü Â ÜÄ¿ ÜÄ¿ ÜÄ¿ ³ Ü Û Û ³ ³ Û ³ Û ³ Û Û Û ³ Û ³ ÛÄÙ Û ßÄ¿ ÀÄß ß ßÄÙ ÀÄß Á ß ÀÄß ßÄÙ ßÄÙ ßß¾ ßÄÙ ß ßÄÙ Ground covers are beautiful, practical and most are very easy to grow and maintain. They can be evergreen or deciduous, and sport a variety of leaf and flower shapes and colours. They can spread rapidly to form a dense low maintenance covering which minimises weeds, and binds and holds the soil on sloping sites. A ground cover can be one metre tall or a few cm's deep, so choosing the right one for your garden is most important. Ground covers can replace high maintenance lawns especially where grass wont thrive. Grow them on steep slopes, around exposed tree roots, in poor soil or in dense shade etc. There are ground covers to suit all situations, soils and climate extremes. There are plants for dry and wet conditions, shady or sunbaked areas, and those that grow in sand, clay or rocky ground. They look superb between stepping stones, creeping over rockeries and retaining walls, and can prevent erosion on sloping or steep ground where access is difficult. Plant them to create borders, along walkways and to border paths. They are excellent to hide unsightly areas and areas where other plants wont thrive. Many of the ground covers serve a dual purpose. Some are herbs and can be used in cooking. Some produce flowers and can be chosen to enhance other garden plants. Many ground covers look fantastic draping out of pots, tubs or window boxes. Ground covers are the most underated plants, but are also the most versatile, and deserve a place in every garden. EOF