When we picture a forest, we tend to look up.

Towering trees and branches stretching toward the sky. An overhead canopy filtering sunlight down to the forest floor.

But some of the most important work in a woodland ecosystem happens much closer to the ground.

Beneath the trees, a quiet layer of plants spreads across the soil — groundcovers that protect, support, and sustain everything around them. They may not draw the most attention, but they are essential to the health of the entire system.

What Are Groundcovers?

Groundcovers are low-growing plants that spread across the surface of the soil, forming a living layer. In natural woodlands, this layer includes a mix of native plants, leaf litter, mosses, and decomposing organic material.

Unlike traditional mulch or bare soil, groundcovers are alive. They grow, adapt, and interact with the environment around them.

In many ways, they act as the foundation of the forest and a starting point for gardeners looking to build healthier, more sustainable spaces at home.

The Work They Do

Groundcovers aren’t just aesthetic, they’re functional. In fact, they do some of the heaviest lifting in a garden ecosystem.

Protecting the Soil

A continuous plant layer shields soil from erosion, heavy rain, and temperature extremes. It also reduces compaction, helping roots and beneficial organisms thrive.

Holding Moisture

In shaded areas, especially under trees where roots compete for water, groundcovers help retain moisture by reducing evaporation.

Suppressing Weeds

Dense plant coverage leaves little room for unwanted species to establish. Over time, this can significantly reduce maintenance and the need for human intervention.

Supporting Wildlife

Groundcovers provide habitat for insects and other small organisms, forming the base of the food web. Many also offer nectar, pollen, or act as host plants for pollinators.

Even small plantings can contribute to a larger network of habitat — something we continue to build and explore through initiatives like the Northeast Wisconsin Pollinator Corridor and the Pollinator Pocket Kit program at the Garden.

How Forests Do It Naturally

In a healthy woodland, bare soil is rare.

Leaves fall, plants spread, and organic material builds over time. This creates a layered system:

• Trees form the canopy
• Shrubs fill the middle
• Groundcovers protect the soil

Each layer supports the others. The ground layer, though often overlooked, is what stabilizes the entire system.

This layered approach is central to Woodland Wonders presented by Selner Tree & Shrub Care — where garden spaces are designed to reflect how plants naturally grow together, from the tallest trees to the smallest ground-level details.

Bringing It Into Your Garden

This same approach can work at home.

Instead of relying on wood mulch or struggling turf, many gardeners are beginning to use living groundcovers, especially in areas where traditional planting is difficult.

Groundcovers are particularly useful:

• Under trees
• In shaded spaces
• Along edges and pathways
• In areas where grass doesn’t thrive

Over time, they create a more stable, self-supporting system that requires less maintenance.

Wisconsin Native Groundcovers to Consider

Native plants are especially well-suited for this role. Adapted to local conditions, they tend to establish more easily and support regional wildlife.

A few to explore:

• Wild Ginger – Dense, heart-shaped foliage that thrives in shade
• Pennsylvania Sedge – Grass-like texture, excellent for dry shade
• Woodland Phlox – Early spring blooms that support pollinators
• Foamflower – Spreads gently and adds seasonal interest
• Ferns & Grasses – Provide texture and structure in low-light areas

These plants don’t just fill space, they help create habitat. Many support pollinators and beneficial insects, making them a natural fit for gardeners looking to contribute to a healthier ecosystem.

Start Small

You don’t need to transform your entire landscape to see the benefits.

Start with a single space:

• Around the base of a tree
• A shaded garden bed
• A small corner where grass struggles

Even a small planting can make an impact. In fact, creating small, intentional pockets of native plants is one of the easiest ways to support pollinators and bring these concepts to life in your own living space.

A Different Way to See the Garden

Groundcovers are easy to overlook, but they play a critical role in how gardens function.

They hold the soil and support life. They create stability and quietly connect everything above them.

Start Your Own Pollinator Pocket

If you’re looking for a simple way to get started, the Garden’s Pollinator Pocket Kits are designed to do exactly that.

Each kit includes a curated selection of native plants that work together to support pollinators and beneficial insects. These small plant groupings make it easy to create a living ground layer at home — whether you’re planting under a tree, along a path, or in a small garden bed.

It’s a practical way to take what you see in the Garden and bring it into your own space.

Registration for Pollinator Pocket Kits is now open, with limited quantities available. One kit can begin building a healthier, more connected landscape — one layer at a time.

Sources & References

• University of Wisconsin Arboretum — Native plant communities and woodland structure
• University of Wisconsin Extension — Groundcovers and sustainable landscaping guidance
• Xerces Society — Pollinator habitat and plant layering
• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center — Native groundcover plant data
• USDA Forest Service — Forest floor ecology and soil systems