A Landscape Designer’s Journey to Weed-Free Bliss
When I first moved into my Temecula, California property, I inherited a weedy, overgrown mess. Most of the landscape beds were badly managed and completely overrun with unwanted vegetation. But as an avid gardener, I was determined to reclaim my outdoor oasis and turn it into a verdant, eye-catching showcase.
I started by covering the landscape beds with cardboard and wood mulch, effectively smothering the existing weeds. This quick fix worked for a while, but I knew I needed a long-term solution to keep the weeds at bay permanently. After all, I didn’t want to find myself right back where I started, constantly battling an unruly sea of green.
The Search for the Ultimate Weed-Smothering Solution
As I delved deeper into my research, I discovered a fascinating array of ground cover plants and creeping perennials that could not only outcompete weeds but also add a touch of edible beauty to my landscape. The key, I learned, was to establish a dense, thriving ground cover that would leave no room for those pesky interlopers to take root.
I set out to test a variety of options, carefully considering their growth habits, weed-suppressing abilities, and, of course, their edible potential. After all, why not turn my weed-fighting efforts into a delicious and visually striking endeavor?
Creeping Thyme: The Versatile Weed-Fighter
One of the first ground covers I tried was creeping thyme. This hardy, evergreen perennial not only handles light foot traffic with ease but also forms a dense, mat-like carpet that effectively chokes out weed seedlings.
I was impressed by its performance, but I soon noticed a few limitations. The centers of the plants could become rather woody and sparse, and it didn’t always do the best job of suppressing larger, more established weeds. Still, for an open, well-lit area, creeping thyme proved to be a reliable and low-maintenance option.
Elfin Thyme: The Compact Weed-Squasher
Eager to find an even more effective weed-fighting ground cover, I turned my attention to elfin thyme. This miniature cultivar of creeping thyme shares many of the same characteristics, but with an even denser and more compact growth habit.
I was delighted to find that elfin thyme handled foot traffic even better than its larger cousin, while still maintaining an impressive ability to outcompete weeds. The tight, mat-like growth made it more difficult for pesky seedlings to gain a foothold. Of course, like creeping thyme, elfin thyme still requires good lighting and can suffer from die-back if shaded out by other plants.
Irish Moss: The Lush, Weed-Smothering Carpet
Next, I decided to give Irish moss a try. This soft, spongy ground cover quickly formed a luxurious, lush carpet in my landscape beds. The tiny flowers it produces release seeds, allowing it to spread and fill in any gaps, effectively crowding out weeds.
I was enchanted by the way the Irish moss felt underfoot, and its ability to suppress weed growth was truly impressive. However, I soon discovered its Achilles’ heel: drought intolerance. When the hot Temecula summers arrived, the Irish moss would begin to brown and disintegrate, leaving openings for weeds to reclaim the territory.
Green Carpet Rupturewort: The Drought-Tolerant Weed-Fighter
Determined to find a ground cover that could withstand the dry conditions, I turned my attention to green carpet rupturewort. This hardy plant, sometimes used as a lawn substitute, proved to be incredibly drought-tolerant once established.
The green carpet rupturewort formed a dense, low-growing mat that choked out weeds with ease. Its centralized tap root system and tiny, barely noticeable flowers made it easy to manage and control. However, the plant’s slow growth rate meant that it took a significant number of plants to fill a large area, and weed seeds could still occasionally take hold in the gaps.
Sedum Stonecrop: The Versatile Weed-Smotherer
Another ground cover that caught my eye was sedum stonecrop. This succulent plant was already present on my property when I moved in, and I quickly grew fond of its ability to thrive in both shady and sunny areas, as well as its tolerance for dry conditions.
The sedum stonecrop formed a dense, mat-like carpet that effectively suppressed weeds. Its vibrant golden flowers in the late spring were an added bonus, brightening up the landscape. While it can handle some foot traffic, I try to avoid stepping on it whenever possible, as it can develop a crushed, trampled appearance.
Leptinella Brass Buttons: The Aggressive Weed-Crusher
One ground cover that really caught my eye was leptinella brass buttons. This innocent-looking plant with its soft, fernlike texture proved to be a true weed-crushing powerhouse. Its aggressive, rhizome-driven growth pattern allowed it to quickly colonize and spread, leaving little room for other plants to intrude.
I was impressed by the leptinella’s ability to establish a lush, weed-smothering carpet, but I also had to be mindful of its tendency to take over. Proper edging and control measures were essential to keep it from encroaching on areas where I didn’t want it.
Sweet Woodruff: The Deer-Resistant Weed-Blocker
Another ground cover that caught my attention was sweet woodruff. This delightfully textured plant quickly spread at the edges, filling in gaps and choking out weed seedlings. Its deer-resistant nature also meant that I didn’t have to worry about my furry friends munching on my hard work.
While sweet woodruff did an admirable job of suppressing weeds, I had to be careful not to step on it, as it didn’t hold up well to foot traffic. And like many ground covers, it struggled in areas that dried out, so consistent moisture was essential for maintaining its lush, weed-blocking appearance.
Periwinkle: The Evergreen Weed-Warrior
Finally, I decided to give periwinkle, also known as bowles or running myrtle, a try. This evergreen ground cover quickly spread through its lanky, rooting stems, forming a dense mat that choked out weeds with ease.
Periwinkle’s resistance to both deer and rabbits was a major plus, and its ability to thrive in both sun and shade made it a versatile option for my landscape. However, I did have to keep an eye out for potential disease issues, such as stem blight and root rot, which could compromise its weed-fighting prowess.
Edible Ground Covers: Turning Weed-Fighters into Culinary Delights
As an avid gardener and foodie, I couldn’t resist the allure of ground covers that not only excelled at weed suppression but also offered edible rewards. After all, why settle for merely functional when you can have both form and function?
Strawberries: The Delicious Weed-Smotherers
Strawberries quickly became a favorite of mine, as their dense, well-managed patches could help reduce the weed population while also providing a tasty bounty of juicy, sun-ripened fruit. I loved tucking them into the edges of beds or even growing them over smaller ground covers like leptinella brass buttons, creating a veritable edible tapestry.
Sure, strawberries require a bit more care and maintenance than some of the other ground covers, and they’re not meant for heavy foot traffic. But the sheer delight of being able to pluck a ripe strawberry right from my own landscape more than made up for the extra effort.
Kinnikinnick: The Edible, Erosion-Controlling Ground Cover
Another edible ground cover I experimented with was kinnikinnick, which is touted for its ability to help control erosion. While the woody, lanky stems weren’t the most aesthetically pleasing, the plant did eventually form a dense enough coverage to help suppress weeds. And the prospect of harvesting its edible berries (when they decided to bear fruit) was an added bonus.
However, kinnikinnick’s slow growth and tendency to flop around on the ground made it a less-than-ideal choice for my landscape. I found that I was better off focusing my efforts on ground covers that were more effective at weed control and better suited to my needs.
Lingonberries and Arctic Raspberries: The Woody Weed-Fighters
I also experimented with lingonberries and arctic raspberries, treating them more as short, woody shrubs than true ground covers. While they didn’t excel at weed suppression, I did enjoy the idea of tucking them in beneath my taller edible plantings to maximize the productivity of my landscape.
Ultimately, I found that the lingonberries and arctic raspberries were better suited for out-of-the-way areas where they wouldn’t be disturbed, as their delicate foliage couldn’t withstand much foot traffic. But they did provide an interesting and unexpected edible element to my garden.
Putting It All Together: A Harmonious, Weed-Free Landscape
After extensive testing and experimentation, I’ve compiled a diverse arsenal of ground covers and creeping perennials that have helped me transform my Temecula landscape into a verdant, weed-free oasis. By strategically placing these plants throughout my beds, I’ve created a stunning, low-maintenance tapestry that not only looks beautiful but also provides a bountiful harvest of edible delights.
Whether it’s the dense, mat-like carpets of elfin thyme, the lush, spongy cushions of Irish moss, or the vibrant, weed-crushing expanses of sedum stonecrop, each ground cover plays a unique role in my landscape design. And with the addition of edible gems like strawberries, kinnikinnick, and lingonberries, I’ve turned my weed-fighting efforts into a true feast for the senses.
As I stroll through my garden, I can’t help but marvel at the transformation. Where once there was a weedy, overgrown mess, now stands a flourishing, harmonious landscape that truly stops traffic. And with A-1 Landscape Construction by my side, I know that my dream of a beautiful, low-maintenance, and edible outdoor oasis will continue to thrive for years to come.
