Creating a Maintenance-Free Landscape with Ground Covers in New Jersey

Ground Cover Alternatives to Turfgrass

A New Jersey homeowner buying a large-yard home wanted a no-mow, low-maintenance ground cover. The expert provided design-focused recommendations.

Top Ground Cover Recommendations

• Asian Jasmine: Evergreen, waxy leaves, fragrant spring blooms. Spreads by runners (8-10" high). Faster in sun. Trip hazard on runners—use stepping stones.
• Mixed textures/colors: Combine species in zones or borders for visual interest.
• Vining types on trellises: Adds vertical dimension.

Design Ideas for Large Areas

• Curved retaining wall (2 ft) with evergreen shrubs above, ground cover below.
• Stepping stone paths through ground cover for access.
• Transition zones: taller shrubs near house, lower covers outward.
• Mow once in early spring to thicken new plantings.

Climate Consideration

Asian Jasmine is evergreen in North Texas (Zone 7-8). In New Jersey (Zone 6), it may be deciduous or need protection. Verify Zone 6 hardiness for any selection.

Resources for Plant Selection

• National Gardening – photos, zone info.
• GardenWeb – forums, plant databases.
• Monrovia – quality nursery stock, search by zone.
• P. Allen Smith – design ideas.
• Local Home Depot/Lowe's: Regional plant selections, how-to books.

Implementation Tips

• Kill existing grass/weeds first (glyphosate).
• Amend soil with compost.
• Space plants per label; mulch heavily until coverage.
• Hire help for initial installation if needed; maintenance thereafter is minimal.