Run for cover! Groundcover, that is, to camouflage a trouble spot in your landscape. Low-growing cover plants are hardy alternatives to turf, perennials and shrubs. Many can thrive under shade trees. And they can add the finishing touch to your garden design.

Covers (under 1 foot tall) retain moisture, suppress weeds and often flourish in poor conditions with less maintenance. Retain soil on slopes with covers that understory, but don’t compete with overhead bushes and trees. Dress up a rocky culvert with cover that drapes over stone.

Even if the plants don’t bloom, covers extend the sight line when massed. Varying shades of green and blue contribute a cooling sensation, even if garden temps suggest otherwise. These plants may even withstand light foot traffic and pet romping.

As with any plant, research characteristics and preferred habitats before purchase. E-search Cooperative Extension publications to prep for selection. A simple soil test will also identify any soil amendments needed to get your plants off to a good start.

Covers are inexpensive by the individual pot, so try out a few now to see if you enjoy their look and behavior. Numerous groundcovers thrive in the Shepherdstown area, but here are three that provide year-round enjoyment. Once established, they are a pleasure to propagate to extend coverage area.

Stonecrop “Angelina” is a reliable beauty in the garden. Tolerating deer, heat and poor soil conditions, this evergreen sedum grows to a height of 4 inches tall and spreads easily in full sun. The bright green leaves (reddish-orange in autumn) soften the look of a French drain or dry creek bed hardscape. Plucking fading bloom stems, retains Sedum rupestre’s compact form.

Ice plant “Starburst” wins hearts, with fleshy green foliage and fuschia, with white-centered flowers. This succulent never needs fertilizer, but doesn’t tolerate excess moisture from poor drainage. Delosperma floribundum will add ornamental interest to a mill wheel stepper with intense color from spring until late fall. Dry, full sun and sandy conditions make for an easy spread.

Irish moss is a moss-like perennial groundcover that sports bright green foliage and tiny white flowers in late spring. Pearlwort is a perfect cover below porch steps or between paving stones to enhance their look and steady the soil. Plant seeds directly in the spring after frost fear has passed or splurge on a nursery pot now. You’ll love the soothing texture of Sagina subulata under bare toes. Afternoon shade is needed to prevent brown spots.

Groundcovers seem to picnic all summer long even while you’re on vacation. Contact local nurseries about groundcovers that are in stock or may be ordered. Ease of maintenance should be a requirement at the top of your list.

Kristi Hendricks is a graduate of Shepherd College and West Virginia University and a Master Gardener with the Virginia Cooperative Extension. She can be reached at belowthejames@yahoo.com.