Quick Cure for Declining Turf

Summer weather takes it’s toll on home lawns.  Often where there is excessive shade the heat and wet soils cause root systems to rot.  Then there are areas where due to pest problems, dry soils or other factors the grass never grows.  If you need a quick cure for these and other bare spots try another ground cover.

Some ornamental plants seem to be less fussy.  One that grows well in the sun or shade is the Asiatic jasmine.  Space the vining plants 3 feet apart and watch them fill the bare spots in just a season or two. Other ground covers good for the sunny sites include junipers, lantana, society garlic and wedelia.

Gardeners with only shade can obtain good growth from Algerian ivy,  cast iron plant, bromeliads, English ivy, liriope and mondo grass.  Almost all ground covers can be started from small plants available at garden centers.  Clear the area of weeds, loosen the soil in the spot where the individual ground cover is to be added  and plant.  Then follow these tips to cover the area with greenery.