Layering with Ground Covers: Building a Beautiful, Low-Maintenance Garden

When planning a garden, I always start by thinking in layers. Varying plant heights not only adds visual depth but also creates opportunities for sustainable gardening practices and supports habitat for wildlife. Pollinators especially benefit, as layered gardens allow them to move more safely from bloom to bloom.

I begin with the largest elements — trees and shrubs that form the framework — and then move down to perennials, finally finishing with ground covers. Though they’re often the last to be added, ground covers are one of the most valuable components. These low-growing plants perform many of the same functions as mulch but require far less upkeep once established. They help suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Choosing perennial varieties eliminates the need for annual mulching, sparing your back from pushing wheelbarrows every spring.