Landscaping a Yard Mound: Ground Cover Solutions for a 9-Foot Berm

Decorating a Permanent Mound Over a Water Line

A 9-foot long, 6-12 inch high mound over a water pipe can't be removed or heavily planted. Ground cover is the ideal low-maintenance solution.

What Is Ground Cover?

Low-growing (3-24 inches), spreading plants that suppress weeds, control erosion, and need no mowing. Many tolerate foot traffic.

Recommended Species

• Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) – Spring carpet of pink/white/blue.
• Sedum/Stonecrop (Sedum spp.) – Succulent, drought-tolerant, varied textures.
• Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) – Fragrant, blooms pink/purple, handles light traffic.
• Veronica (Veronica spp.) – Spikes of blue/white; spreads steadily.
• Periwinkle (Vinca minor) – Evergreen, blue flowers, shade-tolerant.
• Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei) – Evergreen, variegated forms available.
• Ice Plant (Delosperma spp.) – Daisy-like flowers, heat-loving.

Design Tip

Plant 3 species in drifts for visual contrast (e.g., sedum + thyme + veronica). Avoid English ivy—invasive in many regions.

Resources

See "Residential Landscape Concept" drawing at harshmandrafting.com for ground cover layout example.