Create a Stunning UK Garden Oasis with 9 Ground Covers

Posted on 16/05/2025

Create a Stunning UK Garden Oasis with 9 Ground Covers

Transforming your garden into a lush, flowing tapestry can turn it into a stunning oasis full of color and texture. Ground covers are an essential part of any garden design, providing a lush backdrop that complements the star plants and adds layers of beauty. In this guide, we will explore 9 beautiful ground covers that will make any UK garden a breathtaking retreat.

Why Use Ground Covers?

Incorporating ground covers into your garden offers numerous benefits beyond sheer aesthetics:

• Weed Control: By covering bare soil, they help suppress weeds.
• Soil Moisture: They help in retaining soil moisture by reducing evaporation.
• Erosion Prevention: Ground covers protect against soil erosion on slopes and banks.
• Low Maintenance: Many ground covers are low maintenance, perfect for a busy gardener.

Top 9 Ground Covers for UK Gardens

Ready to explore the best ground covers for creating your own garden oasis in the UK? Below, we list the top contenders for an eye-catching and practical landscape.

1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

Creeping Thyme is an aromatic, low-growing perennial perfect for filling gaps between paving stones or at the edge of paths. Its tiny purple flowers appear in summer, attracting bees and other pollinators. This hardy plant thrives in sunny spots and well-drained soil.

• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained
• Height: 5-10cm

2. Woolly Yarrow (Achillea tomentosa)

If you're aiming for soft foliage beneath your feet, consider the Woolly Yarrow. This lovely plant offers yellow flowers that bloom all summer long. Its grayish-green, felt-like leaves add a delightful texture to any garden.

• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-draining
• Height: 15-20cm

3. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)

Sweeping under trees in shady areas, Sweet Woodruff is a strong contender for woodland gardens. Known for its refreshing scent, this ground cover remains evergreen throughout winter. Its white star-like blossoms enhance its beauty in spring.

• Light: Partial to full shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained
• Height: 10-30cm

4. Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

Known for its soothing qualities, Chamomile doubles as a ground cover that provides a serene meadow-like atmosphere with its apple-scented foliage and tiny daisy-like flowers. It grows best in full sun, with regular watering.

• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained
• Height: 5-12cm

5. Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei)

With its vibrant, evergreen foliage, Wintercreeper is a reliable choice for year-round interest. This versatile ground cover thrives in full sun to heavy shade, making it exceptionally adaptable.

• Light: Full sun to full shade
• Soil: Well-draining
• Height: 10-50cm

6. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)

Bugleweed offers stunning deep green to purple foliage and azure flower spikes. It's perfect for creating a dense carpet of color in shaded areas.

• Light: Partial shade to full shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained
• Height: Up to 20cm

7. Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina)

Known for its fluffy, silver-grey foliage, Lamb's Ear adds a tactile element to your garden. It's an excellent choice for sunny, dry areas, ideal for sensory gardens.

• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained, dry soil
• Height: 10-60cm

8. Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis)

Japanese Spurge makes for a classic choice with its lush green foliage and delicate white flowers. This evergreen ground cover thrives particularly well under trees.

• Light: Partial to full shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained
• Height: Up to 20cm

9. Evergreen Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)

Evergreen Candytuft is hailed for its glossy green foliage and profuse white blooms that appear in spring. It's a great choice for rock gardens and borders.

• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained
• Height: 20-30cm

Tips for Planting Ground Covers

To successfully establish ground covers in your UK garden, follow these practical tips:

• Preparation: Start with a clean slate by removing weeds and debris.
• Spacing: Plant them close enough to cover the ground but leave some space for growth.
• Watering: Establish new plants with regular watering until they are well-rooted.
• Mulching: Apply organic mulch between plants to retain moisture.

Conclusion

With this selection of sensational ground covers, creating a UK garden oasis is both exciting and rewarding. By carefully choosing the right plants for your specific conditions and following proper planting techniques, you will ensure a thriving, aesthetically pleasing landscape that brings you joy every season. Embrace the diversity, and unleash the potential of your garden with these beautiful botanical carpets.