About Us

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Generally the highest layer considered ground cover is provided by shrubs. Many of these, especially if they are evergreen, shade the ground enough to prevent weed growth. This is particularly the case with certain prostrate or low growing forms of conifers and taxads: junipers, hemlocks, cedars and yews and with broad leaved: cotoneasters, euonymuses, loniceras and laurels.  We do not grow many of these ourselves being more focused on herbaceous subjects but will obtain them where required.

Many Climbers can be used for ground cover. Particularly useful are the often unappreciated ivies (except notably in the United States where now considered invaluable landscaping plants). These now come in hundreds of different leaf shapes, colours and patterns as well as degrees of vigour.

Herbaceous plants include a phenomenally diverse range, including ferns and grasses, demonstrating almost every leaf form and texture. Their foliage mostly goes dormant in the winter but many have such density of growth in the summer that no weeds can compete. Most gardeners will be familiar with day lilies, hostas and hardy geraniums in this category. Other herbaceous are evergreen, for example: bergenias, periwinkles and some hellebores.

The lowest growing  group is the one normally categorised  as rockery or alpine. Within this category we offer a sub group which we regard as potential lawn alternatives. There are many plants growing only millimeters in height, in various flower colours but also different foliage colours; purple, bronze, gold, silver and white or yellow variegated, from which it is possible to make coloured living carpets as an alternative to a conventional lawn. These do not require regular mowing but can be mowed to restrict height and to cut off finished brown flowers. It is worth making clear here that grass is the most suitable lawn plant for heavily used areas. Alternative plants may take walking over a few times a week in the summer but not heavy traffic; consider using paving/stepping stones set in the lawn to reduce wear and tear. We will be carrying out trials with alternative lawns in 2020, so hope to be able to offer more authoritative advice on this interesting concept soon.