Ground cover on a budget

aliadds

Unfortunately I'm not really a very good gardener, but I like it to look tidy and if possible smell good. My other problem is that I have 2 dogs! What I wondered is what I could plant in the way of shrubs that would give good coverage and not need too much care! Would ground cover roses be suitable...or herbs like mint or lavender?
Could anyone recommend anywhere online where I could buy such plants at a reasonable cost! My local garden centre seems very expensive.
I would be grateful for any help and advice! Thank you in advance.:)

Farway

Mint is a thug and will go everywhere, however it is fool proof and will just look after itself

For ease I would but a pot in local supermarket, in herbs section, about 60p or so, then plant it outside, but not now, too cold

Lavender is easy, but needs a bit more care regarding pruning

Another tough shrub is hebe, if you kill it you must be trying really hard, glossy, evergreen leaves, purplish flowers, just goes on & on

aliadds

Thank you Farway. Was also thinking about bamboo, pampas grass, hydrangea and rosa rugosa! Found a website selling 20 RR for £20!:)

Farway

aliadds wrote: »

Thank you Farway. Was also thinking about bamboo, pampas grass, hydrangea and rosa rugosa! Found a website selling 20 RR for £20!:)

Well if that is what are considering, how about a cultivated blackberry, like Himalyan Giant? or perhaps Gooseberries? At least you can have a pie :rotfl:

conradmum

Buckingham Nurseries are good quality and cheap. (They have Rosa Rugosa for 45p if you're buying 5+).

Sorry I can't advise you on shrubs that are dog-proof but I'm sure there will be someone able to help you if you give them a ring.

Jnelhams

If you want very low ground cover, then Ajuga Reptans (Bugle) or Alpine Strawberries, for medium height then Periwinkle (Vinca Minor or Major), for medium / tall, then Hypercium (rose of Sharon) lovely yellow flowers or Symphoricarpos albus (snowberry). For evergreen cover then one of the prostate junipers.