Ground covers generally are the plants of choice for replacing thirsty turf grasses -- for shading soil, slowing erosion and improving the curb appeal of certain landscapes. Dense clumps of broadleaf plants such as hosta and lady's mantle can prevent weed seeds from germinating by shading out and inhibiting the germination of the most opportunistic weed seeds.

* Suitable for shady spots: Thyme, an aromatic, creeping, mat-forming plant with white or purple summertime flowers; coral bells, a clump-forming plant with bold, handsome foliage and delicate pink flowers; cranesbill, a sun-to-shade perennial with foliage that turns crimson in autumn and produces creamy white or pink flowers in summer.

* For water-deprived landscapes: Heath aster, which grows in a dense clump thick with flowers in early fall; hardy ice plant, a mat-forming or trailing succulent producing light yellow flowers in mid- to late spring; creeping baby's breath, a mat-forming plant with airy sprays of white to purple flowers in the spring.