Covering Ground

This book is a hands-on guide to replacing hard-to-mow lawn and filling bare spaces with plants that work. Barbara W. Ellis organizes the content by real problems and site types, then walks you through plant selection, combinations, and care so your ground covers look good and stay healthy. A USDA Hardiness Zone Map is included for confident choices.

Solve tricky spots with targeted options: Find clear help for areas that fight you season after season. Chapters address problem sites such as sunny slopes, wet ground, and acidic soils, and outline choices that fit each condition. You get practical direction that turns challenging spaces into finished, durable plantings.

Build plantings with purpose and style: Use themed sections to match plants to paths, stepping stones, and patterned designs. You can compare sun lovers, shade selections, native choices for woodland floors, and low growers for foot traffic, then combine them for texture and rhythm. The result is a cohesive look that fits your yard.

Plant, grow, and renew with confidence: A full how-to section covers site prep, buying and installing plants, planting on slopes, caring for new plantings, and renovating older areas. Guidance on propagation helps you expand successful patches over time for budget-friendly coverage.