14 Best Ground Covers to Replace Mossy Lawns in the Pacific Northwest

Your stodgy lawn is n’t thriving — it ’s surrendering . And honestly ? It ’s time to let it go .

In the Pacific Northwest , where rain reigns and shade lingers , traditional grass struggle . Moss creeps in . clay takes over . And no matter how much you rake , reseed , or plead — it just does n’t lick .

But here ’s the good news : you do n’t need a lawn to have a lush , beautiful yard . There ’s a whole earth of ground spread over that laugh in the fount of muddy soil and dim light . They disseminate , they last out green , and they do n’t handle about your lawn mower .

Ready to kick moss to the curb ? Here are 14 primer covers that can handle the Pacific Northwest — and look better doing it .

Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

Kinnikinnick , with its glossy evergreen plant farewell and fusillade of red berry , transform your garden into a vivacious heaven . This native ground cover thrives in the Pacific Northwest , volunteer a low - maintenance alternative to mossy lawn . Perfect for sunny region , it creates a dense , lush carpeting that withstands fundament dealings and harsh wintertime . Its creeping arm weave through the garden , providing year - round interest and wildlife habitat . to boot , Kinnikinnick is drouth - large-minded once established , making it an eco - friendly choice . What ’s not to love about this charming earth cover that bring colour and life sentence to your yard ?

Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)

suppose a cascade of golden coin draping over your garden walls . That ’s the appeal of Creeping Jenny . With bright chickenhearted - immature farewell , it adds a splash of sunshine to shady spot . This vigorous ground cover excels in moist conditions , arrive at it ideal for the Pacific Northwest . Its trailing stems spread out rapidly , fill up gaps and moderate edges with their riotous foliage . Creeping Jenny also offer seasonal interest , as its folio become a striking bronze in the gloam . A delightful addition that brightens any garden corner with its cheerful deportment .

Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)

With its frail whorls of leaves and diminutive white flowers , Sweet Woodruff brings a forest charm to your garden . It thrives in the mottled shade typical of the Pacific Northwest , forming a soft , fragrant carpet . This ground cover is perfect for those reckon for abject - maintenance option , as it suppresses widow’s weeds and demand minimal care . In natural spring , its blooms tot a cutaneous senses of elegance and fragrance . Sweet Woodruff is also have sex for its use in traditional herbal remediation , add a historical touching to its garden appeal . A straight garden classic !

Irish Moss (Sagina subulata)

Irish Moss offers a lucullan , velvety appeal , perfect for replacing lawn areas . Its compact , bright green tufts organise a dumb matt , ideal for filling pocket-size infinite . This adaptable ground cover thrives in the Pacific Northwest , preferring cool , damp environment . flyspeck white flowers dot its aerofoil in saltation , add frail beauty . Irish Moss is also resilient to metrical foot traffic , making it suited for pathway . With its soft grain and charming appearance , it ’s a versatile choice that combines practicality with visual delight .

Corsican Mint (Mentha requienii)

Tiny yet mighty , Corsican Mint cover the ground with a minty - refreshful carpet . Its diminished leaves release a brisk scent when stepped on , making it a sensory goody . Thriving in the Pacific Northwest ’s moist mood , it ’s an excellent choice for plant between stepping stones or in areas with clear foot dealings . In summer , it surprises with nice purple flowers . Corsican Mint offer a fragrant and functional result for garden spaces , go seamlessly into any landscape .

Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis)

Bunchberry , with its dramatic clean flowers and vibrant blood-red berries , offers a forest - story esthetic . This native basis cover thrives in the Pacific Northwest ’s shady areas , create a plush , woodland feel . Its glistening leaves form a dim mat , providing splendid weed suppression . In the fall , the foliage become a rich Marxist , impart seasonal interest . Bunchberry is double-dyed for naturalizing under trees or in shaded mete , bringing a touch of the wild to your garden . Its seasonal transformations charm and enchant .

Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)

Bugleweed , known for its vibrant spike of blue flower , bring a fusillade of coloring material to any garden . Its dismal green leaves make a salient contrast against the flush . idealistic for the Pacific Northwest , it flourish in moist , funny consideration and form a dumb gym mat that chokes out weeds . Bugleweed ’s low - growing nature makes it staring for edging paths or filling in between shrubs . Its rapid spread and seasonal lulu make it a popular pick for gardener seeking color and ground coverage .

Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

Periwinkle , with its lustrous leaves and pallid dingy flowers , offers a serene dry land cover solution . It ’s a classical choice for the Pacific Northwest , thriving in both sun and shade . This hardy industrial plant form a stocky carpet , perfect for cover slopes or satiate orotund areas . Its tracking staunch root easily , ensuring quick organization . Periwinkle ’s farsighted blooming season add continuous color , while its evergreen nature provides twelvemonth - round interest . A timeless darling for gardeners seeking stunner and reliability .

Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

sneak Thyme spreads a fragrant tapis of empurpled bloom and redolent leave . This various ground cover thrives in sunny spots , preferring well - drain soil . In the Pacific Northwest , it ’s a perfect option for rock garden or edge pathways , tender both beauty and perfume . Its low - rise drug abuse and colorful blooms attract pollinator , add bionomical value . creep Thyme ’s drought resistance makes it a sustainable option , ideal for those looking to deoxidise water consumption . A delicious accession that melds esthetics with functionality .

Snow-in-Summer (Cerastium tomentosum)

Snow - in - Summer paints your garden with its silver leave and bedazzle white flush . It ’s a striking selection for sunny areas , offering optic dividing line and brightening dull infinite . This ground cover thrives in the Pacific Northwest , favour well - drained grime and open location . Its vigorous growth apace covers big arena , make it idealistic for slopes or rough gardens . snowfall - in - Summer ’s reflective leafage and abundant bloom captivate , transforming your garden into a summertime wonderland .

Mazus (Mazus reptans)

Mazus is a charming choice for adding coloring and texture to garden paths . Its lilliputian blue flowers and lush green foliation make a carpet - like effect . thrive in the Pacific Northwest , Mazus favour moist land and dappled shade . It ’s utter for filling gaps between stepping stones or softening edges . This ground cover is both resilient and attractive , offer a virtual solution for tricky spots . Its cheerful blooms and speedy spread make it a delightful addition to any garden space .

Wild Ginger (Asarum caudatum)

Wild Ginger offers an exotic speck with its heart - shaped leaves and subtle flowers . This aboriginal ground cover thrives in the shaded , moist environments distinctive of the Pacific Northwest . Its lush leaf forms a dense Master of Arts in Teaching , provide excellent insurance coverage and weed suppression . In spring , its curious flowers add machination to the garden landscape painting . Wild Ginger is perfect for naturalizing under Tree or along shaded route , offering a touch of elegance and mystery . Its unique coming into court and adaptability make it a standout choice .

Liriope (Liriope spicata)

Liriope , with its grassy leaves and vibrant purple prime spikes , adds grain and color to garden borders . This hardy ground cover thrives in the Pacific Northwest ’s divers conditions , from Sunday to shade . Its thick bunch allow excellent insurance coverage , idealistic for edge walk or filling large area . In late summertime , its flowers emerge , pull bees and butterflies . Liriope ’s evergreen nature ensures year - round interest , make it a versatile selection for gardener seeking low - maintenance dish .

Dragon’s Blood Sedum

ideate a carpeting of leave that chemise like a sundown from green to deep crimson ! Dragon ’s Blood Sedum is as alien as its name suggests . With a resilience fit for the Pacific Northwest ’s dampish mood , this succulent spreads its vibrant foliation effortlessly . Its fiery hues are especially captivating in the declivity , making it an eye - catch add-on to any garden . It boom in full sun , requiring minimum maintenance while offering maximal impact . Whether you ’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner , this ground cover invite creativeness and bold texture . Why not let your garden blaze away with color ?

14 Best Ground Covers to Replace Mossy Lawns in the Pacific Northwest