05/09/2026
A lot of homeowners and even many gardeners aren’t aware of this.
Over the years, many landscapes became filled with plants like periwinkle, English ivy, and pachysandra because they were marketed as “low maintenance.” What most people don’t realize is that these plants spread aggressively and often choke out everything underneath them, making it difficult for native species, pollinators, and wildlife to thrive.
The good news? Native ground covers can do the same job beautifully while also supporting the ecosystem around your home.
Some amazing native alternatives include:
🌱 Golden Ragwort — spreads well, handles dry shade, and brings beautiful yellow flowers in spring
🌱 Foamflower — loves moist shade and produces delicate white blooms
🌱 Wild Ginger — a gorgeous understory plant that creates a lush natural carpet
🌱 Allegheny Spurge — a native alternative to pachysandra that many people have never heard of
🌱 Native Sedges — versatile, low maintenance, and suitable for many light conditions
One small change each season can make a huge difference.
If you already have invasive ground cover, don’t panic, it can be managed over time. Ivy can be cut back gradually, and periwinkle can be smothered with cardboard and mulch before replanting with native species the following season.
At Clean Slate Landscape Solutions, we believe landscapes should not only look beautiful, they should work with nature, not against it.
Sometimes the best thing we can do is let the land remember what it once was. ✨
