Ideas for screening plants and ground cover

[Kate23]

I am looking for ideas for screening plants and also ground cover.

The ground cover would be between our bluestone rounds that we've put down to replace the lawn. See https://www.workshop.com.au/t5/Outdoor/Bluestone-rounds-to-replace-lawn/m-p/19130

Thanks

Community manager's note: Check out How to choose ground cover for your garden for expert advice.

[Jason]

@Kate23

Thanks for joining in. You might be interested in these previous Workshop discussions:

https://www.workshop.com.au/t5/Garden/Ground-cover-suggestions-please/m-p/9192

https://www.workshop.com.au/t5/Garden/Alternative-to-a-conifer-for-screening/m-p/408

Jason

[Adam_W]

Hi @Kate23

So a couple of quick questions to see if I can help out;
- where are you located? Just region is all I need to understand climate.
- what is the aspect or position of the screening plants & the ground-cover? Sunny, shady, 50/50?

cheers

[Kate23]

Thanks Adam. I’m in Melbourne with a backyard to the east of the house. The screening plants should get plenty of sun all year round but the ground cover will get a bit more protection - I guess part shade. You can see a photo in the other post I made.

[Adam_W]

Hi @Kate23,

Screen will depend a bit on the height and width you need. I’m a huge fan of the clumping bamboos and they can be super-effective seriously fast. You just need to pick a variety suitable for you needs and there are some good online tools to help with this such as this one, you just select your criteria on the left. I love variegated dwarf Malay. Such an awesome fast growing hedge. I’ve managed to get a total blockout 3m hedge in under 2-years (but we are in the sub-tropics).

If you’re after flowers then sasanqua camellias will do quite well if the spot is warm enough but will take a few years to get solid screening.

Photinia varieties are excellent although can get a wee bit too wide for smaller spaces.

That’s a few to think about, ask the plant specialists are your local store for some advice as they may have experience with particular varieties that perform best in your region.

I reckon the best groundcover for that spot would be mini mondo-grass – it’s tough, takes a little wear and looks awesome. Just make sure you buy the mini-version.
Hope this helps!

[Kate23]

Many thanks for your suggestions Adam. Much appreciated.