Ground-cover plants spread or form low, dense growth that can soften edges, fill spaces between larger plants and reduce areas of bare soil.
Ground cover plants knit planting together at soil level, suppressing bare ground and softening the edges of paths, shrubs and larger perennials. They can also reduce weed space once established and make borders feel fuller with less exposed soil. In Ireland, good ground cover is especially useful because mild, moist conditions can encourage weeds as readily as ornamental plants. Selecting ground cover for shade, moisture and vigour helps create a dense living layer without allowing one plant to dominate the border.