Great Plains Gardening

By Edith Koeller

May 14, 2004

The terrific wind we experienced on Tuesday of this week made me wonder if trying to make our yards look like the pictures in garden catalogs and magazines was a futile effort. Those of you living in town had much more protection than those of us in the country that have, at most, a windbreak to the north of the farmstead. Perhaps, as one looks over any damage that may have been done, it might be wise to consider ground covers or rock gardens in certain gullible areas of the property.

CSU Extension has a couple of fact sheets, Ground Cover Plants #7.400 and Rock Garden Plants #7.401, that contain information on the subject.

Ground covers can be used to prevent soil erosion, especially where grass is not practical. Some consider ground covers to be "maintenance free" but this is not true. Some may even require more than others. Rock gardens require even more care.

Here are some tips from the above-mentioned fact sheets.

"A ground cover should spread by itself. Species that produce rhizomes or stolons or that spread by offsets or tip layering are best suited for ground covers. They will develop rapidly into a dense cover. Some, however, grow so fast they can become invasive. A ground cover should be sufficiently dense to inhibit competition from weeds. If the ground cover will be used to prevent soil erosion on a steep slope, it should have a vigorous growth habit."

"Consider the following factors before selecting a ground cover for a specific situation: To maintain design balance, select lower-growing ground covers for smaller areas and taller ones for larger areas or steep slopes. The amount of sun versus shade and the exposure to winter sun and winds are important considerations in selecting a ground cover. Most ground covers will not tolerate excessive foot traffic. If foot traffic is anticipated, install a walkway through the area before planting the ground cover. Improve soils with good quality organic matter before planting. Incorporate 2 to 4 cubic yards of compost or other organic materials into each 1,000 square feet."

"The ideal location for a rock garden is a natural slope or terrace, such as those found at the side or rear of a house based on a split-level or garden-level design. Use rocks of one geologic al type. A common rock in Colorado is native granite covered with lichens. Rocks are available from nurseries, landscape contractors and rock dealers. An effective rock garden should have several large rocks, some weighing 200 pounds or more."

"Set the rock into the ground so at least one-third is buried, placing them in the natural way, following the grain of the rock. Position rocks to control soil erosion between rocks and to allow soil pockets of various sizes for plants. Provide good drainage. Most plants suitable for rock gardens require a well-drained soil. For most plants, incorporate organic matter into heavier clay soils to improve texture and provide better drainage. The rock garden should be no larger than can be easily maintained. Weed control is the biggest problem."