For instance, you don't have to water many ground covers once they're established. They're also prettier and more interesting than grass. And don't worry if you can't tell a blanket of vinca from a spread of partridgeberry. More than a dozen different ground covers are growing around the Urban Environmental Lab Community Garden at 135 Angell St. Visit the garden to explore the colors, textures and even fragrances of these low-growing alternatives to turf. Each species planted in the garden features a sign describing its attributes.
Some plants grow best in a hot sun, others thrive with a couple of hours of daily shade.
Unlike turf, many ground covers will flourish in poor, rocky soils. After visiting the garden, check out the Lab's library, which holds a book about the ground covers. The book offers details on growing the plants and lists local nurseries that carry them. Also look for the garden's web page, which will debut later this summer.