Care-Free Groundcovers for a Zone 6 Front Yard

Replacing Lawn with Living Groundcovers

A Pennsylvania homeowner (Zone 6) wants a 60×40 ft front yard alternative to mowing, weeding, and fertilizing. Asphalt is ugly and bad for runoff. Groundcovers are the answer.

Top Pick: Asian Jasmine

• Evergreen in Zone 7b; may brown in Zone 6 winters but returns.
• Thrives in shade; explodes in sun (contain it).
• Low (6–12 in), dense, weed-suppressing.
• Climbs trees attractively.

Other Options (Gurney's Catalog + Local Nursery)

• Periwinkle (Vinca minor) – Blue flowers, evergreen, shade-tolerant.
• Pachysandra – Dense, glossy, deep shade.
• Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) – Spring flowers, sun/part shade.
• Sedums – Drought-tolerant, sunny spots.
• Carpet Roses – Flowering, but more care.

Or: Keep Lawn, Go Organic

The expert's 40×60 ft front + 2× back yard takes 4 hrs/week total with organic program (sugar, compost, no chemicals). Greens up earlier, stays green later than neighbors'.

Decision Framework

Choose Groundcovers If:	Choose Organic Lawn If:
Deep shade / tree roots	At least 4 hrs sun
Want near-zero mowing	Like the look of turf
Slopes / hard-to-mow areas	Willing to mow weekly
OK with "wild" texture	Want uniform carpet

Next Steps

1. Visit local nursery for Zone 6 groundcover selections.
2. Check Gurney's (gurneys.com) for photos and mail-order.
3. For organic lawn: start sugar + compost this spring.

Bottom Line

Groundcovers offer true low-maintenance green cover where grass struggles. Asian jasmine leads for shade; mix varieties for interest. Or transform existing lawn with organic methods for a high-quality turf with minimal inputs.