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Homes & Gardens
Homes & Gardens
Tenielle Jordison

Gardeners Are Replacing Mulch With These 5 Low-Maintenance Ground Cover Plants – They Naturally Suppress Weeds

Chelsea Flower Show 2026 The Lady Garden Foundation.

Mulching is one of the most effective ways to suppress weeds, improve soil health, and reduce watering in the yard. But, having to reapply it multiple times a year can be tiring and time-consuming. That's why many gardeners are now turning to living mulch plants for a more low-maintenance approach.

Instead of mulching with bark chip (like this brown mulch from Lowe's), leaves, or compost, this idea uses low-growing ground cover plants that do all the same jobs as traditional mulch. They cover bare soil, help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and support healthy soil. And the best part is, these plants return every year with little intervention.

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