The most widely planted groundcover in today’s landscape is turfgrass. Turfgrass covers the soil in almost every conceivable place. Most of the time it succeeds in providing a suitable cover. Yet, sometimes unsuitable growing conditions prevent its continued success. Other groundcovers may provide solutions to a landscaping challenge or just add a bit of much needed texture and color.

Groundcover plants, when properly taken care of, provide dense soil cover, retard weed growth, and prevent soil erosion. Groundcovers range in height from an inch to four feet. They can be woody or herbaceous; clumping or running; evergreen or deciduous. There is a broad array of colors and textures to choose from.

Groundcovers not only solve problems but also unify different components in the landscape. Non-spreading types of groundcovers can be used as hedging material, traffic barriers or just visual guides toward an entry. They soften hardscapes such as walks, steps, and driveways.

Groundcovers help to define space. A low groundcover can provide a transition between the lawn and taller plants used in beds. Attractive foliage, colorful flowers, and, at times attractive fruit can add color and texture to an otherwise "green" landscape.

Groundcovers create various moods. Small leaved, smooth textured groundcovers used in broad curved plantings can convey a feeling of spaciousness. Whereas large leaved coarse textured groundcovers create a feeling of closeness.