I have a lot of pachysandra in an area that has way too much sun for it (planted by last homes owner) and it doesn't do well. I want to kill it and plant either lavender or salvia next spring, but I don't want to use chemicals.

I was thinking of mowing it and then covering it with newspaper, cardboard and finally plastic. I would do that this fall (end of September). Will that do the trick or will it still be there in the spring?

Thanks for any advice you can offer.