Could perennial flowers be considered a type of "groundcover"?

I am just trying to clarify for myself the different categories of plants in designing a garden.



I pretty much have catergorized as thus:



1. Deciduous Trees

a. Lawn Trees

b. Flowering Ornamental Trees

2. Evergreen Trees/shrubs

3. Deciduous Shrubs

a. Flowering

b. Non- flowering

4. Decidous Groundcover

a. Flowering

b. Nonflowering

5. Evergreen Groundcover

6. Vines



I am trying to decide if i can leave it at this or should i make seperate categories for "perennials" like flowers. But I think that flowers are used as "groundcovers" arent they?

Could perennial flowers be considered a type of "groundcover"?
I can see why you're confused. The important point here is that in garden design, the plants must be classified by function, not by type. There are as many ways of classifying plants as there are designers but to get you going, try feature, focal point, groundcover, climber/wall shrub, structural, filler, do you see what I mean? classify them by function ie what they are doing for your design. Now as to perennial flowers, try to refer to 'perennial plants' or 'flowering plants'. A flower is part of a plant not a plant as such. The only plant with a perennial flower is an artificial one. Flowering plants can be used for all sorts of design purposes.
Reply:Yes, imo. There are low plants such as woodruff and crown vetch that are low to the ground and spread. However, there are also high profile perennials as well... so it would be better to list them separately, but keep in mind that their use could be for ground cover or vine-like as well.



You didn't list annuals or bi-annuals in your list.



In planning a garden, you also need to break it down to

shade, partial sun and full sun. Keep in mind, just about

all trees 'flower'.



Also groundcover is different than flowers. Groundcover is normally used to cover areas where you don't want grass.

short junipers, vines and even mulch is considered a ground

cover.



When planning your garden, first consider the amount of sun

and the sun's direction during the day during the growing season. Then plan on your tree placement, as you don't want

the trees' shade to fall on the beds that require full sun. Then

work with your flower bed arrangements. Take in consideration

also the type of soil you have and what growing range you

are located.



Have fun!

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