Leaves somewhat thickish, with scalloped edges and prominent veins. Small white or bluish flowers in spikes. Grow as ground cover on Southern California coast. Especially good trailing over wall or edge of planter or raised bed. As indoor or lathhouse plant, grow in hanging pot or wall container. among easiest plants to grow. Will root in water or soil. Most people remove flower buds before bloom for more compact plants; alternative method is to allow plant to bloom, then cut it back afterward.

Part shade / Semi-evergreen /

Thyme (Thymus)(Back)

Foliage usually heavily scented. Plants attract bees. Grow in warm, light, well-drained soil that is fairly dry. Restrain plants as needed by clippings back growing tips. Propagate from cutting taken early in summer, or sow seed. Plant ground cover kinds 6-12 in. apart in fall or spring.

Sun-partial / Edible/ Fragrant groundcover.(Back)

'Mother-of-Thyme' (Thymus praecox arcticus) Ground cover. Forms flat mat, the upright branches 2-6 in. high. roundish, 1/4-in. long, dark green, aromatic leaves. Small purplish white flowers (white in one form) in headlike clusters, June- September. Good for small areas or filler between stepping stones where foot traffic is light. soft and fragrant underfoot. Leaves can be used in seasoning and in potpourris. Rose red variety is sold as 'Reiter's'.

'Woolly Thyme' (Thymus pseudolenuginosus) Ground cover. Forms flat to undulating mat 2-3 in. high. Stems densely clothed with small gray, woolly leaves. Seldom shows its pinkish flowers. Plants become slightly rangy in winter. Use in rock crevices, between stepping stones, to spill over bank or raised bed, to cover small patches of ground.

Sun-partial / fragrant groundcover.

Umbrella Plant (Cyperus alternifolius)(Back)

Zones 8, 9, 12-24. Narrow, firm, spreading leaves arranged like ribs of umbrella at tops of 2-4 ft. stems. Flowers in dry, greenish brown clusters. Dwarf form is C. A. 'Gracilis' (C. a. 'Nanus'. Grows in or out of water. Effective near pools, in pots or planters, or in dry stream beds or small rock gardens. Self-sows. Can become weedy, take over a small pool.

Sun-partial / Clumping / Narrow, spreading leaves arranged like ribs of an umbrella- hence its name / Rapid grower / Thrives in moist areas / Bog plant / Good container plant in ponds / Invasive.

Wandering Jew (Tradescantia)(Back)

T. fluminensis. Zones 12-24; house plant everywhere. Prostrate or trailing habit. Fast growing. succulent stems have swollen joints where 2 1/2 in. long, dark green, oval or oblong leaves are attached ('variegata' has leaves striped yellow or white). Tiny white flowers are not showy. Easy to grow. In mild-winter areas can be grown in shade as ground cover. Excellent for window boxes and dish gardens. A few stems placed in glass of water will live for a long time and will even grow.

Sun-partial / fast growing / Many varieties- various colored leaves / small insignificant flowers / Cut back overgrown plants - Start new plants from tip growht / Good in rock gardens / Well-drained soil / Drought tolerant / Groundcover.

Wedelia (Wedelia trilobata)(Back)

Trailing plant that roots wherever stems touch damp earth. fleshy evergreen leaves are dark glossy green, to 4 in. long and half as wide, with a few coarse teeth or shallow loves toward tips. Inch-wide flower heads resemble tiny yellow zinnias or marigolds. Blooms nearly throughout the year in sun; blooms sparsely in shade. Spreads fast by creeping, tooting stems; easily propagated by lifting rooted pieces or by placing tip cuttings in moist soil. Best in sandy, fast-draining soils but will take others if drainage is acceptable. Reasonably salt tolerant. Killed to ground by frost, it makes fast comeback. Tolerates high heat of desert. Plant 1 1/2 ft. apart, feed lightly. Cut back hard if plantings mound up or become stemmy. Groundcover.

Wild Strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis) Back)

Native of Pacific beaches and bluffs, North and South America. Forms low, compact, lush mats 6-12 in. high. Dark green, glossy leaves have three-toothed leaflets. Leaves take on red tints in winter. large (1-in wide) white flowers in spring; bright red, 3/4-in., seedy fall fruit attracts birds 9fruit seldom sets in gardens.) Plant rooted stolons in late spring or early summer. Nursery-grown plants can be planted any time. Set plants 1-1 1/2 ft. apart. Needs annual mowing or cutting back (early spring) to force new growth, prevent stem buildup. Feed annually in late spring. In late summer, if leaves show yellowing, apply iron sulfate. Groundcover.

Wood violet (viola) (Back)

Botanically speaking, violas, pansies, and violets are all perennials belonging to genus Viola. However, pansies and violas are generally treated as annuals, especially in mild-winter areas. Violets need shade from hot afternoon sun; in desert and other hot-summer climates, plant in full shade.

Shade / Dark green, heart shaped leaves / Purple flowers / white and pink also available / Good groundcover for small areas under shrubs or trees / Subject to snails and slugs.

Yarrow (Achillea) (Back)

Sun-Partial / Well-drained soil / Cannot tolerate wet areas / Fernlike gray, green foliage / Flower clusters: White, pink or yellow / Spreads with age / equires occassional division to prevent overcrowding / Good in woodland setting.