Ground covers — low-growing plants that mat, sprawl, trail, or clump on the ground — play a valuable role in the landscape. They fill in gaps in flower beds, adding color, texture, and depth.

One of my main pandemic projects last summer was to rejuvenate a large bed in our backyard. The place had been neglected for a number of years, so the weeds and brush had a good head start, and it ...

If shade covers the yard, there are a few plants that can help add some color. Barbara Robertson says the first thing to do is analyze the yard. "Yards evolve over time," she says. "Trees get bigger ...

Planting for color in the shade can be a challenge but not an insurmountable one. With a wide range of shade-tolerant plants to choose from, even the dreariest garden areas can be made brighter with ...

Katherine Gallagher is a writer and sustainability expert. She holds a B.A. in English Literature from Chapman University and a Sustainable Tourism certificate from the GSTC. Ideal for planting in ...