Not all areas in your landscape may be suited for growing grass. Shady areas under trees; banks and hillsides that are difficult to mow; or wet, boggy areas may make growing grass a real challenge. Instead of turf grass, you may want to consider another type of ground cover for these problem areas. Like turf grasses, ground covers are generally used to carpet an area of soil and create a consistent appearance. In an area where there is limited or no foot traffic, established ground covers can provide a uniform appearance, like a grass lawn, but with more interest and significantly less maintenance.

Ground cover plants are very versatile. The wide range of sizes, textures, foliage colors, blooms and growth habits have extended their popularity in recent years. Ground covers can be seen growing in woodland areas, spilling over the edge of a container garden, pocketed into the crevices of a rock garden or stone walkway, or planted near the edge of a pond.

Soil preparation is very important. Till the planting area to a depth of four to six inches and mix in plenty of soil conditioner and mushroom compost. As with all new plantings, ground covers will benefit from regular watering and fertilizer applications.

In addition to the old standbys, English Ivy and Hosta, there are many other popular ground covers. Let's take a look at just a few.

AJUGA: This ground cover is noted for its handsome foliage. Leaf color ranges from dark green to purple to metallic bronze. Some varieties have an upright growth habit, some spread along the ground. Ajuga blooms from spring into early summer. Depending on the variety, flower colors are white, violet-blue or pink. Most varieties will reach a height of 4 to 12 inches. Ajuga will grow in the full sun but performs best in partial shade.

MONDO GRASS is a perennial ground cover similar to but smaller than its cousin, Liriope. It forms tufts of grass-like blades that can be used successfully as an edging, in borders or tucked between stepping stones. It produces light lilac flowers in the summer, but they are almost concealed by the foliage. Mondo Grass varieties range from 4 to 18 inches high. Leaf colors range from solid green to white or yellow striped. There is even a Black Mondo Grass which displays dark purple leaves. For best results, plant Mondo Grass in partial shade in well draining soil. It can tolerate deeper shade but it will take longer to spread.

PACHYSANDRA is a cold-hardy, perennial ground cover often grown in wooded areas because of its shade tolerance. This compact, shrub-like plant has handsome clusters of green leaves sometimes mottled with purple, gray or brown. White flowers appear in late spring. Plants can range from 6 to 12 inches high and prefer moist, well draining soil.

SEDUM's unusual forms and colors add interest to any landscape. Depending on the variety, they can range from 2 to 24 inches high. They are a very diverse group of plants with fleshy leaves and flowers. Sedums are excellent additions to rock gardens and borders. Plant them in full sun to partial shade in soil with good drainage. They are quite drought tolerant and require very little maintenance.

VINCA MINOR and VINCA MAJOR: These vining perennials are useful ground covers on slopes. Their fast growth rate makes Vinca a good choice for erosion control. Vinca vines are also found rambling over walls or trailing from window boxes and other plant containers. They grow vigorously when planted in partial shade and moist soil. They will tolerate full sun, but will need a lot of water to thrive. Soft lavender-blue flowers appear on the plants in the spring. The leaves of Vinca major are 2 to 3 inches long. Vinca minor's leaves are about 1½ inches long.