Handling UNruly Ground Covers

If you properly situate your ground cover in the soil with the light conditions it prefers, it will always spread out pretty nicely. However even the best, like sweet woodruff, often have to be controlled. The worst (see my last blog post) like Hall's honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica 'Hallianna') are almost as easy to stop as a racing locomotive, becoming an out and out pest. Others can be controlled if you just remain diligent.

One of the best 'helps' in controlling any ground cover spread is with an 'edger'. The edge can be landscape timbers, or vinyl borders that are sunk into the ground, keeping your ground from trying to make thier little trip into stellar space where it doesn't belong.

Vining type ground covers can't be stopped so easily by using an edge. They'll gladly step right over it. An occassional clipping works with these, others may need more attention. I just keep my English Ivy and Periwinkle in order by simply clipping their tips with my lawn mower when doing the lawn--- see how easy that is?