P U B L I S H ED IN F E B R U A R Y, M A R C H, A P R I L, A U G U ST A ND S E P T E M B ER BY O. M. S C O TT & S O NS C O ., M A R Y S V I L L E, O H IO September 1933 S I X TH Y E AR Number 27 GROUND COVERS OF the whole plant kingdom, grass is the one member that contrib- utes the greatest beauty and utility to the landscape. In this respect it is the most important ground cover. Unfor- tunately a few situations do not permit the grass to thrive. In such instances, a special plant should be grown on the area. These plants will never take the place of grass but rather are intended rocky ground and sandy beaches or areas too small for lawn mower opera- tion, such as tree wells and small courts, also warrant planting ground covers. Slopes Whether it be vine, shrub or herb, se- lect some type of persistent plant to solve the problem of very steep terraces. Such a planting will improve the ap- ENGLISH IVY (Hederá helix) covering a shaded slope to cover the ground where the turf has failed to stay after reasonable care. Ground covers are expected to grow to natural size and are not supposed to be cut with a lawn mower. Plants other than grass may best be used in the case of slopes where soil washing has been severe, or the grade too steep for mowing. Situations of deep shade, pearance of the terrace as well as protect the soil from washing and slipping. (Matricaria Turfing Daisy tchi- hatchewi) is well adapted for hot, dry embankments. With a close growing habit, its finely divided, dark green foliage is similar to that of a fern. Cy- press Spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias) is another choice for such situations. Its COPYRIGHT 1 9 33 BY O. M. SCOTT & S O NS CO. narrow leaves give it a mosslike ap- pearance. While severe grades may be covered with a vine, more woody material may be planted on longer slopes. The new hybrid rugosa, Max Graf, has been used to good advantage on such areas. When low evergreen herbaceous material of the ground-cover type is desired, Trail- ing Myrtle or Bowles periwinkle (Vinca minor Bowles), English Ivy (Hedera helix), Baltic Ivy (H. helix baltica), or Japanese Spurge (Pachy- sandra terminalis) may be employed. Where coarse foliage would be accept- able consider Hall's Japanese Honey- suckle japonica halliana) with its long persistent green leaves. (Lonicera Shade Densely shaded areas may be handled by planting a ground cover. Beneath the varieties of Beech, Maple and Ever- green with low branches, special covers answer the question of bare ground. Ground covers should be considered only after a good shady grass seed mix- ture, having been fed several times yearly, has failed. Even these plants have limitations as to shade tolerance. Especially adapted for shady spots are the Myrtle, Japanese Spurge and English Ivy as mentioned on page seven of Lawn Care for March 1935. Baltic Ivy (Hedera helix baltica) is a plant which has proven itself more winter hardy than the ordinary English Ivy. Baltic Ivy closely resembles the English variety but seems to grow lower to the ground and spreads rapidly. A plant which has been selected from its natural habitat on the cool floor of the northern coniferous forests is Part- ridge Berry (Michella repens). This creeper has dark green, waxy leaves and bright red berries which are very at- tractive from fall to spring. The soil should be acid and contain an abundant quantity of organic matter. It should be chosen only for small areas where a low refined cover is desired. Another native plant which enjoys moist soil conditions in the shade is Pipsussewa or Prince's-pine (Chimaphila umbel- la ta). This is one of the few that has been found successful to grow under pine because it has become adapted to such conditions in its wild abode. Use only nursery grown stock of these natu- ral species as it is difficult to transplant and keep alive plants from the forest. Limited Space Any of the general ground covers such as Trailing Myrtle, Japanese spurge, English and Baltic Ivy, may be planted in areas so small that proper maintenance of grass is limited. Gen- erally the smaller leaves are better adapted to give finer texture to the confined spot. Rocky Slopes and Beaches the ones with speaking Where it is difficult to maintain grass due to natural out-croppings of rock, certain forms of Sedum or othe minia- ture Wintercreeper (Euonymus radi- cans minimus) are used to advantage. The native beach grass or Marram grass (Ammophila arenaria) has been found most practical for beaches and similar situations such as sandy fills near sea walls. To avoid slow germina- tion and to minimize sand erosion, the planting should be done vegetatively from divisions of a native stand. There are numerous other plants with a varying degree of color and tex- ture suitable as ground covers. In se- lecting them due consideration should be given to the definite soil and cli- matic requirements of each plant. It is advisable to consult a local nurseryman for this information. O. M. S C O TT & S O NS CO. MAR Y S V I L LE • • O H IO EVERY PACKAGE OF SCOTTS LAWN SEED BEARS THIS TRADE-MARK AND IS SEALED FOR YOUR PROTECTION A A 27 a A bulletin service for turf enthusiasts Published in February, March, April, August and September Subscriptions free to all those interested in better lawns . . . Cumulative index furnished yearly O. M. scon & S O NS C O M P A NY M A R Y S V I L L E, O H IO SCOTT PUBLICATIONS Mailed free upon request GOOD LAWNS Contains condensed but detailed informa- tion about starting new lawns, renovating established lawns, and main- tenance practices for spring, summer and fall. A guide to those who appre- ciate the beauty of a well kept lawn. BENT LAWNS A practical discussion of the most beautiful of all lawn grasses—Creeping Bent. Tells how to plant with either seed or stolons. Several natural color illustrations are included. CARE OF CREEPING BENT An eight page bulletin of LAWN CARE size explaining exactly how to maintain a lawn of Creeping Bent. Of special interest to those who have lawns of this grass. O. M. S C O TT Ä S O NS CO. MAR Y S V I L LE • • O H IO EVERY PACKAGE OF SCOTTS LAWN SEED BEARS THIS TRADE-MARK AND IS SEALED FOR YOUR PROTECTION ¿ 1-