Groundcovers - Plants

<p>Teaberry / Wintergreen berry of the variety 'Big Berry' in a small pot</p> <p>Teaberry is self-fertile; only one plant is needed for fruiting.</p> <p><strong>Common names: </strong>Teaberry, Wintergreen berry, Checkerberry, Eastern teaberry, Teaberry, Creeping Wintergreen, Canada Tea<br><strong>Scientific name:</strong><em> Gaultheria procumbens<br></em><strong>Family:</strong> <span>Heath family</span><span></span></p> <h4><strong><span>Plant history & use:</span></strong></h4> <p>Teaberry, or Wintergreen berry, is a very unique plant originating from North America. The shrub got its name from its leaves, which were used by Native American tribes to make a healing tea. Even today, <meta charset="utf-8"><span>methyl salicylate</span><span> is extracted from the plant for use in medicines that relieve pain and inflammation.</span></p> <p>For some, however, the berries are the most interesting part of this shrub; they have a flavor identical to Jenka chewing gum. The taste is fresh, and the berries leave a mild and fresh, lightly minty aftertaste in the mouth. The flavor of, among others, Jenka, various kinds of toothpaste, and mouthwash comes from <em>Gaultheria procumbens</em> – the teaberry. The berries grow up to 15 mm in diameter.</p> <p>The leaves contain <meta charset="utf-8"><span>methyl salicylate, a substance still used today in muscle pain-relieving ointments both for its pleasant scent and soothing effect. Methyl salicylate is closely related to acetylsalicylic acid, which is the active ingredient in most of our pain-relieving, fever-reducing, and anti-inflammatory medicines.</span></p> <p><span>Methyl salicylate is also used to flavor chewing gum and sweets. In addition, <meta charset="utf-8">methyl salicylate is used in mouthwash due to its antiseptic effect and, again, its pleasant scent. Some of the most common mouthwashes available in stores today have a flavor derived from <em>G. procumbens</em>.</span></p> <p>An essential oil is also made from the leaves and berries. The oil can be used to flavor desserts and drinks.</p> <p>Used to make American <em>root beer</em>.</p> <p>To make a cup of tea from the leaves: Pour boiling water over the leaves and let steep for 20 minutes. It is recommended not to drink more than a total of 2 tablespoons at a time, and a maximum of one cup per day. The measure for one cup of tea is 2-3 dl water to 1 teaspoon of leaves.</p> <p>Teaberry is an evergreen plant, and its berries remain ready to be picked throughout the winter.</p> <p>An effective ground cover that easily covers the desired area over time. Classified as an efficient gatherer of nutrients in the soil, the nutrients accumulate in the leaves, which is why it can also be used as an effective perennial green manure crop.</p> <h4><strong>Cultivation:</strong></h4> <p>Acid soil plant. Hardy down to -35ºC. Produces most berries in predominantly sunny locations. However, it is adapted to thrive very well in shady to half-shady places as it often grows as ground cover in oak, beech, and coniferous forests. Well-drained, moisture-retentive, and slightly gravelly soil with low pH is optimal. It manages well in dry soils once established.</p> <p>Spreads by underground runners and can form a nice ground-covering mat in the right place. If desired to be grown as ground cover, plant seedlings about 50 cm apart.</p> <p>Can be propagated by cuttings from current year shoots.</p> <h4><strong>Characteristics:</strong></h4> <p>Longevity: Perennial<br>Growing position: half-shade / shade<br>Height: 10-20 cm<br>Hardiness zone: 1-4</p>

<p><meta charset="utf-8"><strong>American Cranberry of the 'Pilgrim' variety: current size C2 pot</strong></p> <p>Self-fertile, only one plant needed for fruiting.<strong></strong></p> <p><strong>Common name:</strong> American Cranberry, Bogberry<br><strong>Scientific name:</strong> <em>Vaccinium macrocarpon</em><br><strong>Family:</strong> Heather family</p> <h4>Plant history & use</h4> <p>'Pilgrim' is a high-yielding cranberry variety from North America with large, tart berries. The berries are used for sauces, jam, jelly, and baking. Cranberries are known for their high content of antioxidants and vitamin C.</p> <h4>Cultivation</h4> <p>Plant in acidic, moist soil in sun to partial shade. Requires steady moisture during the season and withstands cold winters well.</p> <h4>Characteristics</h4> <p><strong>Perennial:</strong> Perennial<br><strong>Light conditions:</strong> Sun to partial shade<br><strong>Height:</strong> 10–20 cm<br><strong>Hardiness zone:</strong> 1–5</p>

<p><strong>Grape Lily in P9 Pot</strong></p> <p><strong>Common names:</strong> Grape Lily, Dark Grape Lily, Blue Grape Lily, Lily Turf, Monkey Grass<br><strong>Scientific name:</strong> <em>Liriope muscari</em><br><strong>Family:</strong> Asparagaceae</p> <h4><strong><span>Plant history & use:</span></strong></h4> <p>Beautiful and effective ground cover that forms edible nodules on the roots. These nodules are a highly valued medicinal delicacy in China. The grape lily blooms beautifully in upright spikes from summer well into autumn. The grass-like foliage is also evergreen.</p> <p>Originates from China, Japan & Korea in shady forests at higher altitudes.</p> <p>The edible nodules are usually candied and eaten as a kind of medicinal snack. They are also used in a Korean drink aimed at increasing physical endurance and as an expectorant.</p> <p>During flowering time, the grape lily creates a striking color contrast in the garden.</p> <p>Well suited for planting on steep slopes for erosion control.</p> <h4> <strong>Cultivation</strong>:</h4> <p>Thrives best in sun to partial shade. Also grows well in deep shade. Moist, nutrient-rich soils are preferred. The grape lily is, however, hardy to many different environmental conditions, so drier soils and heat are also tolerated.</p> <p>Hardy down to about -15ºC.</p> <p>Easy to care for. Spreads horizontally with short runners, but not aggressively.</p> <h4> <strong>Characteristics</strong>:</h4> <p>Longevity: Perennial<br>Light conditions: sun-partial shade-shade<br>Height: about 30 cm<br>Hardiness zone: 1-3</p>

<p><meta charset="utf-8">Creeping bramble in C2 pot<meta charset="utf-8"></p> <p><strong>Common names: </strong>Creeping bramble, Chinese bramble, groundcover bramble<br><strong>Scientific name:</strong> <em>Rubus tricolor<br></em><strong>Family:</strong> <span>Rose family</span></p> <h4><strong><span>Plant history & use:</span></strong></h4> <p>Evergreen groundcover raspberry species with edible berries. Often used in cultivation for its effective ability to keep weeds at bay. Berries about 2 cm in diameter ripen from <meta charset="utf-8">summer to early autumn when they turn a deep red color. Originates from southwestern China.</p> <p>Creeping bramble is a very attractive groundcover precisely because it is low-growing, effective in its ability to outcompete weeds, and evergreen. This is the main purpose of the plant, but on top of that it also offers edible berries. This plant can become a favorite for those seeking effective and useful groundcovers with the aim of easing weed control, for example in a food forest.</p> <p>A dense and <meta charset="utf-8">beautiful dark green foliage that covers the creeping horizontal stems. Blooms white from late spring to summer. The stems are covered with soft glandular hairs, these are not thorns.</p> <h4><strong>Cultivation:</strong></h4> <p>Thrives in partly shaded to shaded locations, but also does well in direct sun. Prefers well-drained clay soils. However, it is hardy in almost all soil types: calcareous, sandy, and acidic soils for example. Hardy to about -15ºC.</p> <p><meta charset="utf-8">Ripe berries turn a deep red color in late summer to early autumn. It is good to harvest regularly to allow the plant to produce new berries.</p> <p>Spreads via horizontal shoots that then take root. Once established, creeping bramble can spread 2 meters per year. Can be pruned to keep within set boundaries. It is recommended to plant with trees that are already somewhat established, as creeping bramble is very eager to take water and nutrients for its own growth.</p> <p>Very drought-tolerant once established.</p> <h4><strong>Characteristics:</strong></h4> <p>Longevity: Perennial<br>Growing conditions: shade-part shade-sun<br>Height: 10-30 cm (1.5-2.5 m wide)<br>Hardiness zone: 1-4</p>

<p><meta charset="utf-8"><strong>American Cranberry of the 'Early Black' variety: current size C2 pot</strong></p> <p><meta charset="utf-8">Self-fertile, only one plant needed for fruiting.</p> <p><strong>Common name:</strong> American Cranberry, Bogberry<br><strong>Scientific name:</strong> <em>Vaccinium macrocarpon</em><br><strong>Family:</strong> Heather family</p> <h4>History & use</h4> <p>'Early Black' is a classic cranberry variety from North America known for early ripening and dark red, tart berries. The berries are used for jam, sauces, and baked goods. Cranberries have a long tradition as food and healing plant among the indigenous peoples of North America.</p> <h4>Cultivation</h4> <p>Thrives in sun to partial shade in sour, moist soil – for example peat mixtures. Requires even moisture during the season.</p> <h4>Characteristics</h4> <p><strong>Perennial:</strong> Perennial<br><strong>Growing site:</strong> Sun to partial shade<br><strong>Height:</strong> 10–20 cm<br><strong>Hardiness zone:</strong> 1–5</p>

<p><strong>Cranberry of the variety 'Fireballs': current size C2 pot</strong><br><br><strong>Common name:</strong> Cranberry, Lingonberry<br><strong>Scientific name:</strong> <em>Vaccinium vitis-idaea</em><br><strong>Family:</strong> Heather family</p> <h4>Plant history & use</h4> <p>'Fireballs' is a large-fruited self-pollinating cranberry variety with abundant harvest. The berries are used for jam, jelly, juice, and baking. Cranberries are traditionally an important wild berry resource in the Nordic countries.</p> <h4>Cultivation</h4> <p>Thrives in sun to partial shade in acidic, humus-rich, and lime-poor well-drained soil. Hardy and easy to grow. Self-pollinating but higher yield with cross-pollination.</p> <p>Very hardy against cold, can withstand temperatures down to -40ºC—as long as summers are warm.</p> <h4>Characteristics</h4> <p><strong>Perennial:</strong> Perennial<br><strong>Growing position:</strong> Sun to partial shade<br><strong>Height:</strong> 20–30 cm<br><strong>Hardiness zone:</strong> 1–6</p>

<p>Parksmultron of the variety 'Schöne Wienerin' in P9 pot</p> <p> The variety 'Schöne Wienerin' is self-fertile so only one plant is needed for fruit setting.</p> <p> <strong>Common names:</strong> Musk Strawberry, Hautbois Strawberry<br> <strong>Scientific name:</strong> <em>Fragaria moschata<br></em> <strong>Family:</strong> <span>Rosaceae</span></p> <h4> <strong><span>Plant history &amp; use:</span></strong> </h4> <p> <span>Our predecessor to the strawberry. Cultivated in Sweden in the 17th century under the name <em>strawberry</em> . Since the beginning of the 20th century, however, the plant has been completely replaced by the modern strawberry, which also took over its name. Origin from the Caucasus Mountains.</span></p> <p> <span>The berries of the park wild strawberry are larger than the common wild strawberry ( <em>F. vesca</em> ) but smaller than the strawberry. The berries have an intense aroma and taste, similar to a mixture of strawberry, raspberry and pineapple. Juicy flesh. The berries are red only on the part where the sun hits.</span></p> <p> <span>Blooms more abundantly and more beautifully than the common wild strawberry.</span></p> <p> <span>Best eaten straight from the plant, but can also be used to make juice and jelly.</span></p> <p> <span>Like many other ground covers, the park strawberry is effective in preventing erosion: for example, in bare plains where water often washes away soil.</span><span> </span></p> <p data-start="0" data-end="192">'Schöne Wienerin' is an old variety that was particularly popular in the late 19th century. It was discovered and preserved during the excavation of a garden in Dresden, Germany.</p> <p data-start="194" data-end="508" data-is-only-node="" data-is-last-node=""> Breeder Gottlieb Goeschke described the variety as follows:<br data-start="245" data-end="248"> <em>"a new park strawberry that puts all others in complete shadow."</em><br data-start="315" data-end="318"> <em>The size of the fruits is significant and their shape is extra elongated.</em><br data-start="392" data-end="395"> <em>The color is shiny dark brown-red, the flesh is cream-colored and melting, honey-sweet and with a wonderful aroma […]”</em></p> <h4> <strong>Culture:</strong> </h4> <p> The park wild strawberry spreads vigorously with its long, branched runners and becomes an excellent ground cover in the right location.</p> <p> Grows best in sun to partial shade. Produces large berries in abundance in sunny locations. Ripens July-August.</p> <p> Grow in a nutritious, well-drained and moisture-retaining soil in a sunny location. They thrive best in a light sandy soil rich in humus. To give the plant a humus-rich soil, you can mulch plant residues (e.g. grass clippings) into the top layer of soil or cover the soil with a layer of plant residues. Grows well in both acidic and calcareous soils.</p> <h4> <strong>Features:</strong> </h4> <p> Year: Perennial<br> Growing conditions: sun-partial shade<br> Height: 10-30 cm<br> Growing zone: 1-4</p>

<p><strong>Orange Creeping Raspberry of the variety 'Emerald Carpet': current size P9 pot</strong><br><br><strong>Common names:</strong> Orange Creeping Raspberry, Taiwan Raspberry<br><strong>Scientific name:</strong> <em>Rubus rolfei</em> (Syn. <em>Rubus pentalobus</em>)<br><strong>Family:</strong> Rose family</p> <h4>Plant history & use</h4> <p>Orange Creeping Raspberry is a ground-covering relative of the raspberry, originating from Taiwan and southeastern China. The variety 'Emerald Carpet' is especially valued for its dense growth habit and its decorative, evergreen foliage that takes on bronze-red tones in autumn.</p> <p>It is mainly grown as ground cover in gardens and slopes, but the berries are edible – small, orange, and mild in flavor, and can be used in jam and desserts.</p> <p>The Orange Creeping Raspberry is not as vigorous as the more common Creeping Raspberry (<em>R. tricolor</em>) and can therefore be a better choice if you want to be more careful with the planting space – over time, however, the orange creeping raspberry also forms a dense ground-covering mat, but it is somewhat easier to manage.</p> <h4>Cultivation</h4> <p>Thrives in sun to partial shade in well-drained, preferably slightly acidic soil. Tolerates drought once established. Excellent as ground cover in rock gardens, on walls, or on slopes. Low-growing and easy to care for, spreads by runners.</p> <h4>Characteristics</h4> <p><strong>Perennial:</strong> Perennial<br><strong>Light conditions:</strong> Sun to partial shade<br><strong>Height:</strong> 10–20 cm<br><strong>Hardiness zone:</strong> 1–2</p>

<p><strong>Capers plant - current height: 20-40 cm</strong></p> <p><strong>Common name:</strong> Capers<br><strong>Scientific name:</strong> <em>Capparis spinosa</em><br><strong>Family:</strong> Capparaceae</p> <p><strong><span>Plant history & use:</span></strong></p> <p>Capers is a Mediterranean plant long cultivated for its edible unopened flower buds. After picking, they are then pickled in salt to remove bitter substances and enhance the sour taste. You can also let the flowers remain until fruit has formed and instead pickle the slightly larger fruits in the same way.</p> <p>Pickling capers is very simple. It can be divided into 4 steps:<br></p> <ul> <li>Place the fresh flower buds/fruits in a bowl with salt</li> <li>Leave the flower buds/fruits in the bowl with salt for 3-7 days (or longer if desired).</li> <ul> <li>Pour off the water that collects in the bowl and add a little extra salt each day.</li> </ul> <li>When the pickling is finished, rinse off the salt from the flower buds/fruits and soak them in water. The soaking time is up to personal taste, but the shortest recommended time is 15 minutes. You can soak for several hours if you wish. Use a spoon and do a taste test now and then to find the flavor that suits you.</li> </ul> <p>You can also pickle younger shoots and leaves from the caper bush. If you want to use somewhat older leaves and shoots, a tip is to blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before pickling. Mix your caper harvest with salt and vinegar, leave in the fridge about 1 month. Ready to eat.</p> <p>Capers cultivation can be traced back as far as 7000 years ago in today’s Turkey, Jordan, and Syria. It is believed to have been used both for culinary and medicinal needs. In medicinal use, all parts of the plant were used, mainly as a digestive aid.</p> <p>In tropical and subtropical forest gardens (agroforestry), it is effectively used in the lowest layer as ground cover.</p> <p><strong>Cultivation</strong>:</p> <p><meta charset="utf-8">In Sweden, capers grow best in pots in bright locations and are overwintered frost-free - but... we are experimenting with caper cultivation on a stone wall facing south. The plants are planted in the gaps between the stones, just as it often grows naturally on old castle walls down in the Mediterranean. They do not need much soil to spread out and become nice. The stone wall stores heat when it is warm and releases heat when the temperature drops, creating a somewhat more favorable climate. Capers are hardy down to -8°C, so with some winter covering in the form of jute cloth, this is not impossible in favorable locations in the country’s mildest parts.</p> <p>Capers are characterized by an initially upright growth habit to later grow long horizontal side shoots that spread along the ground or hang down when growing on slopes and on walls.</p> <p>In its original environment, capers often grow in high temperatures and soils with poor water and nutrient availability. A typical adaptation to a nutrient-poor environment is a very widespread root system that makes it suitable as ground cover at, for example, shorelines or eroding soils. Capers in its natural environment is often widespread on rocky cliffs and slopes. It grows on the walls of many ancient fortifications in the Mediterranean.</p> <p>The bush is productive and under optimal conditions can yield substantial harvests of up to 3000 buds per bush and season. In Sweden, one cannot quite expect the same results but can do one’s best to mimic the plant’s original environment by:</p> <ul> <li>letting it stand in direct sunlight all summer,</li> <li>letting it grow in well-drained Mediterranean soil, and</li> <li>letting the soil dry out between waterings.</li> </ul> <p>Feel free to use a large pot when the plant has grown.</p> <p>As described earlier, you harvest either the unopened flower buds or the fully formed fruits. If you let the flower bud open, the bush produces sweet-smelling, spectacular flowers. The caper bush blooms already the first year from seed.</p> <p><meta charset="utf-8">The flower buds are traditionally picked in the morning as that is when they seem to have their highest aromatic value.</p> <p>The caper bush can be propagated by cuttings.<strong></strong></p> <p><strong>Properties</strong>:</p> <p>Perennial: Perennial<br>Growing position: sun<br>Height: 50 cm<br></p>

<p>Gotu Kola: 1 year old - current height (more like <em>length</em> in this case) 20-40 cm<br></p> <p><strong>Common names: </strong><span>Gotu Kola, Indian Pennywort, Pennywort, Brahmi herb, among others…<br><strong>Scientific name:</strong><em> </em><em>Centella asiatica </em>/<em> Hydrocotyl asiatica<br></em><strong>Family:</strong> Apiaceae</span></p> <p><strong><span>History & use:</span></strong></p> <p>Gotu Kola is a well-known medicinal plant originating from Asia. It has long been used to ease, among other things, stress and anxiety. It is also commonly used against skin ailments such as eczema, wounds, and acne as it improves the skin’s elasticity. Gotu Kola is an adaptogen and, like <span> </span><a href="https://tradgardsdags.nu/collections/froavdelning/products/ashwagandha-indisk-ginseng-withania-somnifera" title="Ashwagandha seeds" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #4e991d;">Ashwagandha<span> </span></span></strong></a>, it is one of the few plants with a very broad range of uses in traditional medicine. There are many scientific articles to read for those interested in learning more in depth.</p> <p>For purely medicinal purposes, extracts are made from the plant. But one can also make use of its health-promoting properties in food and drink.</p> <p>For example, in Burma, a salad is often made with “Pennywort” as the base together with tomato, onion & peanuts, etc. They also brew tea from the leaves or make a cooling drink by pressing the fresh leaves.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">There are two different varieties of Gotu Kola:</span> <br></p> <p>One of them has whole, round leaves and is better suited to grow directly in water – but it also grows well in soil. This type spreads horizontally with the help of underground (/underwater) rhizomes that are somewhat thicker than the leaf stalk itself.</p> <p>The other variety has a small gap in its leaf shape right where the leaf stalk meets the leaf – this variety spreads with the help of long, narrow above-ground runners like strawberries. Judging by its similar growth habit, it is not hard to understand that Gotu Kola is also a good ground cover.</p> <p>Both varieties contain the same active substances, but it is the latter mentioned variety that is most often used in the production of dietary supplements, etc. As seen in the pictures, our plants belong to the latter mentioned variety.</p> <p><strong>Cultivation:</strong></p> <p>In its natural environment, Gotu Kola is often found growing in <span>water</span>, in moist soils as well as by roadsides and hedgerows.</p> <p>It is an easy-to-grow and hardy plant that thrives best in moisture-retentive soil in partly shaded locations. An advantage is to let it grow in a loose soil with much organic material as it requires moisture-retaining properties while excess water easily drains off/down into a saucer. Gotu Kola can also grow in drier soils.</p> <p>The Gotu Kola plant spreads quickly, so if grown in a pot, a wide pot is preferable.</p> <p>This plant usually does not grow taller than 30 cm but tends to spread out up to about 1 m horizontally.</p> <p>For this reason, it is an effective ground cover in mixed cultivation with other crops.</p> <p><strong>Characteristics:</strong></p> <p>Perennial<br>Light conditions: partial shade/sun<br>Height: 30 cm (width 1 m)<br><meta charset="utf-8">USDA zone 7-10<br>Plant zone: approximate translation 1-3<br></p>