Ground covers that dont take over?

by Rikki
(WOllongong, NSW, Australia)

Are there any ground covers that don't take over the garden?

Doug says that yes, there are indeed ground covers that don't take over but I can't speak to those that are going to live in your climate of Australia. I'm a northern gardener and things such as Bearberry and other woody plants do quite nicely as ground covers and don't spread viciously.

There are quite a few ground covers that don't spread too quickly or can be controlled - see the lists for sun and shade on the main page above for a complete list of plants for ground covers.

The interesting thing that I can't help you with given your climate is that some of these may indeed be invasive in your region while they aren't in mind. Plants such as English Ivy come to mind - dies to the ground in our winters. In warmer climates, it can be a serious problem.