GROUND COVER PLANTS 
Much publicity has been given this group of plants of late. Some 
make lawn substitutes of variable quality depending on the method 
by which they are set out. In general better results are to be had 
by carefully grading and preparing the ground as you would for a 
lawn. Then set small divisions closer than generally recommended 
to cover the soil as quickly as possible before the soil between has 
a chance to wash away. This prevents the mounding effect so often 
seen in these lawns. 
Ajuga, Carpet Bugle. One of the finest covers for shady places 
where a good water supply can be assured. Leaves make a close 
turf not over 2 inches high. Blue flowers in spring. 
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Manzanita, Bearberry). Prostrate trailing 
variety, excellent for a ground cover. The leaves are a rich green. 
The flowers are white with a pink tint, followed by red berries. 
Ceanothus gloriosus. Described on page 22. 
Dichondra repens. Makes a very close lawn surface of tiny round 
green leaves. Best in sunny places where it can be given moderate 
watering. Becomes loose and large in shade. Needs mowing once 
in a while only. Easy to manage. 
English Ivy. Dark green glossy leaves, makes a cover about one 
foot deep. Needs no mowing. Excellent on banks or level areas. 
Mat is too deep to walk over comfortably. Also in variegated 
form. Makes an unusual color contrast. 
Gazania. Greyish tufts of foliage covered by quantities of golden 
or Orange and reddish daisies on six-inch stems. Best in hot sun. 
Set plants 6 to 8 inches apart. 
Hedera canariensis variegated (Variegated Algerian Ivy). Like the 
Hedera canariensis, but its leaves are a creamy-white and green, 
beautifully variegated. An evergreen vine that is especially vigorous. 
Hedera Hahn’s. This compact growing small leaf ivy finds much 
use in planter boxes because of its somewhat restricted growth habit. 
It may be used as a bed edging or ground cover in patio work where 
its dark green foliage creates a restful effect. 
Ivy Geranium. For partially shaded or sunny places. Shiny neatly 
shaped leaves and showy flowers in pink, red, white, lavender or 
purple. Makes a nice cover for banks. Trailing. Subject to frost. 
Hypericum calycinum. A low growing, bushy plant, bearing large, 
yellow flowers from May through October. Valuable as a ground 
cover. 
Helxine, Baby’s Tears. Hardy, close creeper, making an excellent 
quick cover in deep shade with plenty of moisture. Tiny round 
St. Patrick’s Day green leaves. Subject to frost. 
St GAWH See 
Mesembryanthemum, Ice Plant. Rapid growing waxy succulent 
plants making excellent covers in dry sunny places. Colorful 
flowers in abundance, often cover the plants and make showy ef- 
fects. Available in different colors, rose-pink, red, orange and 
yellow. 
Ornamental Strawberry, Fragaria chiloensis. Handsome glossy fo- 
liage, covered in spring with countless white flowers. Hardy and 
attractive, sun or partial shade. 
Trailing Lantana. Creeping plant making a mat about one foot deep 
with showy lavender-purple flowers over a long season. Very tough 
and hardy. Should it freeze back it quickly recovers. 
Vinca minor (Periwinkle, Myrtle). Excellent evergreen ground 
cover, particularly for shady spots. Deep blue flowers. Very suit- 
able for rock gardens. 
OTHER GROUND COVERS 
are the prostrate types of shrubs described in other parts of this 
catalog such as: 
COTONEASTERS—AIl white or pinkish-white flowered with red 
berries in fall and winter. See full descriptions on page 16. 
C. conspicua decora. Necklace Cotoneaster, with tiny deep green 
foliage. 
C. horizontalis. Small-leaved creeper with fanning branches. 
C. microphylla. Low, densely covered with tiny foliage. 
HYPERICUM—Arching; low growing shrub with densely carried 
foliage and showy, jewel-like yellow flowers. (See page 18.) For 
instance: 
H. calycinum. Especially low-growing with large flowers. 
H. moserianum. Very dense and dark-leaved. 
JUNIPERS. AIl Junipers can be restricted in growth by pruning. 
But here are some of the better known spreading types (see also 
page 27): 
J. pfitzeriana. Bushy, wide spreading, horizontal. 
J. armstrongi. Bluer and softer foliage. 
J. procumbens. Bluish, sharply pointed leaves. 
J. tamariscifolia. Blue green, closest to the ground. 
PYRACANTHAS (Firethorn). If not trained upright tend all to 
spread. (See page 20 for varieties.) 
P. yunnanensis. Spreading to 12 feet, is the most often used ground 
cover firethorn. 
Another excellent ground cover subject are the various CREEPING 
VINES (pages 32-33) such as Ampelopsis, the Ivies and Honey- 
suckle. 
We offer the finest quality Lawn Seed. Our salesmen are fully qualified to suggest the type 
and mixture for your particular problem. See us when you plant a new lawn or wish to 
renovate an old one. Lawn rollers and seeders loaned free. 
10 STEPS TO A BEAUTIFUL LAWN 
Much has been written on the subject of planting a lawn, but the 
process should not be difficult if one follows a few general rules. 
The soil should be fairly rich and friable. Often in our area it is 
necessary to add topsoil. This is available and of a good quality. 
In other cases the addition of gypsum at rate of 3-4 bags per 1000 
square feet, humus builder or peat moss will do the necessary job. 
In any event the procedure after the ‘ground is prepared is the 
same. We suggest these 10 steps to a beautiful lawn. 
1. Turn soil and water. After weeds have sprouted turn soil again 
and water. This cycle should be repeated until most of the 
weeds are gone. This generally requires about a month. 
2. Rake and level. 
Roll and level. 
Ww 
4. Fertilize, using about four pounds commercial fertilizer per 
100 square feet. Not manure. 
Ul 
Scratch surface slightly and sow seeds. Roll again thoroughly. 
6. Apply light mulch of finely shredded Canadian Peat at the 
rate of 600 to 1,000 square feet per bale. Roll lightly. 
7. Water with fine spray. Don’t allow water to wash the peat or 
seed. 
8. Keep moist at all times. Water with fine spray. 
9. Some grass will appear in from 5 to 7 days. Others may take 
up to 3 weeks. 
10. Cutting should not be done until the grass is from 2 to 3 
inches high. 
Roll to Pack 
Coreful light 
Seed into Ac oa tering 
watering 
IO FT. 
Soil builders, such as peat moss, leaf mold and cow manure, are also items that every garden needs. We 
handle only the best in this line. ‘ 
Insecticides and Fertilizers are necessary items to good plant growth and appearance. See our complete 
selection at the nursery. 
34 ASK US HOW TO KEEP YOUR GARDEN PEST-FREE 
