Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) is an evergreen, low growing ground cover that is extremely low maintenance. It is tolerant of a wide range of conditions from sunny to part shady and with very dry to normal soil. This photo was taken just a few months after installation of one-gallon size plants. The fast growth and explosion of spring color is due to providing optimum conditions. We prepared the soil in the area 6" deep rather than planting in hard compacted clay. The client was amazed and delighted that we could turn this problem area into the envy of the neighborhood in just a few months. With another years growth, this ground cover will be a solid beautiful mass of drifting spring color. Photographer: Danna Cain, Home & Garden Design, Inc.

Ground covers will cut your water bill down and leave you with a clean and polished look for your outside space! Photo Cred: Joshua Thayer
Photo of a small contemporary drought-tolerant and full sun backyard stone vegetable garden landscape in San Francisco for summer.

This home owners front yard grass would not grow because of deep shade. So we replaced it with these gorgeous ground covers. We used Asian Jasmine, Autumn Fern, Mondo Grass, and Ligularia which as you can see is showing off its beautiful yellow blooms. Thank you goes to Tony Tradewell for this awesome design.

This classic English style home resides in Houston's esteemed neighborhood of West University Place. Designed to mirror the bay window, a seasonal color bed is framed with castle trim boxwood detail and lined with a continuous planting of White Begonias. Eagleston Hollies are placed on either side of the property boundary offering added privacy and symmetry. Flagstone stepping pads were set in mortar to provide a path through the Asian Jasmine from the road. The sideyard boasts Confederate Jasmine trellised on a diamond cable pattern with wall hanging planters centered on the home's windows, offering a peaceful view. In the backyard, a soldier brick band frames the lawn and encapsulates an elliptical fountain space. Wisteria grows on the roof of the pergola while decorative pottery provides a venue for additional pops of seasonal color.

Asian jasmine is a great evergreen ground cover for areas with dense shade.

Here is a drought tolerant ground cover, flagstone and native meadow. Perfect for the California climate!
Photo of a mid-sized mediterranean drought-tolerant and full sun backyard stone vegetable garden landscape in San Francisco for summer.

Dwarf conifers anchor bands of native mosses, ground covers and ferns planted in radiating bands through an existing Maritime Woodland along the coast of Downeast Maine. Photo credit: Ann Kearsley Design 2013

Asian jasmine is a great evergreen ground cover for areas with dense shade.

This home owners front yard grass would not grow because of deep shade. So we replaced it with these gorgeous ground covers. We used Asian Jasmine, Autumn Fern, Mondo Grass, and Ligularia which as you can see is showing off its beautiful yellow blooms. Thank you goes to Tony Tradewell for this awesome design.

This home owners front yard grass would not grow because of deep shade. So we replaced it with these gorgeous ground covers. We used Asian Jasmine, Autumn Fern, Mondo Grass, and Ligularia which as you can see is showing off its beautiful yellow blooms. Thank you goes to Tony Tradewell for this awesome design.

Built from the ground up on 80 acres outside Dallas, Oregon, this new modern ranch house is a balanced blend of natural and industrial elements. The custom home beautifully combines various materials, unique lines and angles, and attractive finishes throughout. The property owners wanted to create a living space with a strong indoor-outdoor connection. We integrated built-in sky lights, floor-to-ceiling windows and vaulted ceilings to attract ample, natural lighting. The master bathroom is spacious and features an open shower room with soaking tub and natural pebble tiling. There is custom-built cabinetry throughout the home, including extensive closet space, library shelving, and floating side tables in the master bedroom. The home flows easily from one room to the next and features a covered walkway between the garage and house. One of our favorite features in the home is the two-sided fireplace – one side facing the living room and the other facing the outdoor space. In addition to the fireplace, the homeowners can enjoy an outdoor living space including a seating area, in-ground fire pit and soaking tub.

Asian jasmine is a great evergreen ground cover for areas with dense shade.

The transition to several garden rooms, a gravel path leads from the rear terrace to the many spaces. The entry is flanked by the New England fieldstone seat wall, capped in blue stone. The path is lined with cushwa brick outlining the formal garden filled with boxwood, pachysandra ground cover, hydrangea, magnolia, and eastern redbud. Photo Credit: Linda Oyama Bryan

SEALIGHT STUDIOS KAUAI
This is an example of a tropical backyard landscaping in Hawaii.

Sealight Studios Kauai
Design ideas for a tropical rock backyard landscaping in Hawaii.

This dry patio looks lush on little water. Custom landscape designs include drought tolerant plants that thrive on little water. Photo Cred: Joshua Thayer

This is taken in Berkeley, CA and features diamondia and manzanita groundcovers. Both drought tolerant and low-maintenance. Photo Cred: Joshua Thayer

Elfin Thyme is a perfect ground cover between pavers. This California, Spanish-style bungalow gets a fresh new landscape and garden design that replaces the tired lawn with a creeping thyme ground cover and other low-water plantings. The new flagstone pathway, and a small patio echo the terra-cotta tones of the house and are softened by Elfin Thyme planted between the pavers. Colorful pottery and a Fermob Sixties Low Armchair complete the remodel. Design and Photos: © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Use different colored ground covers for contrast & to cut down on erosion. This front-yard project also includes succulents, lavender and other low-water plants. Part of a wood fence is visible in the background.