Article updated: 11/14/2012 2:32 PM

Groundcover can be attractive alternative to mulch

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Groundcover that fares well in shade can be a colorful alternative to mulch while providing many of the same benefits to your garden. The Morton Arboretum's groundcover garden is full of examples.

Courtesy of the Morton Arboretum

Robb's almond spurge has showy chartreuse-colored bracts in spring that are complemented by its dark green glossy leaves.

Courtesy of the Morton Arboretum

Epimedium, with heart-shaped leaves, is a groundcover that is drought-tolerant.

Courtesy of the Morton Arboretum

About this Article

Sometimes mulch can be a bit too much, our Cathy Maloney says. Mulches retain moisture and restrain weeds and are great for protecting the roots of trees from lawn mower and edger cuts. We're taught that mulch shouldn't be stacked up in a "volcano" mound around the tree base. But, even knowing the benefits and proper application of mulch, aren't there times when mulch is a bit of a mess?