Just about every landscape has a few grassy areas that are hard to mow, dry out quickly or always seem to have pest problems. An easy remedy for these problem spots is ornamental ground covers.
All garden centers have a selection of plants that make good turf substitutes.
All are evergreen, and some flower. These are going to need to be trimmed to stay in bounds, so allow them room to grow. Ground covers with a more compact growth habit that spread slowly include bromeliads, cast-iron plant, coontie, holly fern, liriope and society garlic. It takes more of these plants to fill in a spot to give the established look, but they need less trimming and dividing to remain in bounds. Most ground covers grow in varying light levels, so make sure you have the proper site for your selection.