Living Mulch: Using Groundcover Instead of Bark Chips for a Lush Garden

A garden from Kate Seddon Landscape Design uses native Dichondra repens ground cover instead of bark mulch for a lush, inviting result.

Living Mulch: Using Groundcover Instead of Bark Chips for a Lush Garden

For gardeners seeking a lush, vibrant landscape, replacing bark chips with living mulch in the form of groundcover plants can offer both aesthetic and ecological advantages. Unlike bark chips, which are inert and slowly decompose, groundcovers are living plants that actively contribute to the health and beauty of your garden.

Living mulch provides the same weed-suppressing and moisture-retaining benefits as bark, but with added perks. Groundcover plants – such as creeping thyme, Dichondra, Pratia or Native Violets – form dense mats that outcompete weeds, shield soil from erosion, and cool the ground, reducing water evaporation. Their roots improve soil structure and foster a healthier microbial environment, which in turn benefits nearby plants.

One of the biggest visual benefits is the dynamic, ever-changing texture and colour that groundcovers add to a garden. From low-growing blooms to rich green foliage, they create an inviting, layered look that bark chips cannot replicate. In pollinator-friendly gardens, flowering groundcovers can even attract bees and butterflies, increasing biodiversity.

Moreover, groundcovers reduce the need for frequent reapplication, a common drawback of bark mulch, which breaks down over time and requires regular replenishment. Once established, groundcovers are generally low-maintenance and can thrive for years with minimal care.

Of course, choosing the right species is crucial. Consider sun exposure, soil type, and local climate when selecting groundcovers. In shady areas, options like Selaginella, or Native Violets may excel, while sunny spots can benefit from creeping thyme, Zoysia tenuifolia or Dichondra.

Switching from bark mulch to groundcover transforms a garden from static to living. Not only does it provide practical benefits, but it also enhances the overall sensory experience – bringing movement, colour, and even fragrance to the garden floor. It’s a sustainable step toward creating a more lush and resilient landscape.