Creeping, crawling, spreading are typical characteristics of ground cover plants.  Traditionally ground cover plants have been used as a lawn alternatives.  Some are great to plant in shaded areas under trees where turf will no longer grow such as pachydandra.  Others are great for challenging slopes that are hard to mow and need to cover large areas.  Others are great for adding color and contrast to other ornamental plantings.  Whatever the situation, there is bound to be a ground cover plant that fills the need.  We are showing some of the more popular and best ground covers for the St. Louis area.