As a busy mom who’s always looking for ways to make my yard look amazing without spending hours maintaining it, I’ve fallen in love with ground cover plants.
They’re like nature’s carpet – spreading out to create a gorgeous blanket of color while keeping those pesky weeds at bay.
After lots of trial and error in my own front yard, I’ve discovered some absolute winners that I’m excited to share with you!
1. Creeping Thyme
Y’all, if you’re looking for a plant that smells as good as it looks, creeping thyme is your new best friend. I first planted it between my stepping stones, and now I can’t imagine my garden without it.
The tiny leaves create this amazing fragrant carpet that releases the most wonderful scent when you walk on it. Trust me, my kids love stomping on it just to smell the herbs!
In summer, it bursts into life with the sweetest little pink or purple flowers you’ve ever seen. The best part? It’s super tough and doesn’t mind if you forget to water it now and then.
2. Creeping Phlox
Remember that stunning front yard I couldn’t stop staring at during our neighborhood walks last spring? That was my first introduction to creeping phlox, and it was love at first sight.
This low-growing superstar puts on the most incredible flower show in spring, with waves of pink, purple, white, or blue blooms that’ll make your neighbors stop and stare.
I planted mine along our front pathway, and every spring it’s like rolling out a magical floral carpet. Just give it plenty of sun and well-drained soil, and it’ll reward you with years of beauty.
3. Carpet Bugleweed
Let me tell you about my shade garden savior – carpet bugleweed. Those glossy burgundy leaves add such rich color to spots where other plants just won’t grow.
The blue-purple flower spikes in spring are just the icing on the cake. But here’s a word of caution from someone who learned the hard way – this enthusiastic spreader needs boundaries!
I’d recommend planting it in areas where it can be contained, or you might find it trying to take over your whole garden (ask me how I know!).
4. Dwarf Mondo Grass
If you’re dealing with a shady spot under trees where nothing seems to grow, dwarf mondo grass might be your answer. I discovered this little gem when trying to green up the area under our massive oak tree.
It creates these dense mats of dark green, grass-like leaves that look neat and tidy all year round. The best part? It’s practically maintenance-free!
Just give it some shade and keep the soil relatively moist, and it’ll happily do its thing without any fuss.
5. Candytuft
Oh my goodness, let me tell you about candytuft! This sweet little plant has become my go-to for adding a touch of white brightness to my garden edges.
In spring, it creates the most beautiful display of white or pink flowers that remind me of tiny bouquets. It’s like having a mini wedding celebration right in your front yard!
Just give it plenty of sun and good drainage, and it’ll be the star of your spring garden show.
6. Golden Creeping Jenny
Looking for something to brighten up those shady spots? Golden creeping jenny is your girl! The bright yellow-green leaves literally light up dark corners of the garden.
I have mine planted around our water feature, and it’s absolutely thriving. The way it cascades over the edges is just gorgeous!
Just keep in mind that this beauty likes her soil consistently moist – think of her as the plant equivalent of someone who always carries a water bottle.
7. Blue Star Creeper
Last but definitely not least is the blue star creeper, which I like to call my “lawn alternative” for shady spots. The tiny blue or white flowers that pop up in summer are just adorable!
This is another one of those plants that’s perfect between stepping stones or as a soft carpet in partially shaded areas. My kids love walking on it barefoot!
It’s super low-maintenance too – just give it some shade and keep it from drying out completely, and you’re good to go.
Wrapping Up
After years of experimenting with different ground covers in my front yard, I can honestly say these seven plants have transformed our landscape from high-maintenance to practically self-running.
Not only have they added amazing color and texture to our yard, but they’ve also significantly cut down on my weeding time (hallelujah!).
Whether you’re a busy parent like me or just someone looking for beautiful, low-maintenance options for your front yard, these ground covers are sure to become your new gardening bestie