Ground Covers
On large properties, use ground covers to “connect” several trees. This converts a big area into an accent point, and reduces lawn that needs constant maintenance.
Shade-loving ground covers include: vinca, liriope, lily-of-the-valley, violets, ajuga and self-branching English ivy. Mondo grass works well in sun or shade. In areas with full sun, minimize mowing with sun-loving ground covers like low-growing junipers and evergreen daylilies. In semi-shady areas, dwarf sasanquas make great ground covers.
A garden hose is a handy guide for defining an area to be planted with ground covers.