A great solution to those patchy parts of your landscape, groundcover is a general term for perennials that are known for their ability to spread. Not only will they help enhance the areas of your lawn where grass is difficult to sustain, but they often require less water than grass and are a great way to prevent erosion in hilly areas. Here are seven popular varieties to get you started.

The succulent sedum is not only drought-resistant but especially great for erosion control. Try incorporating a few different varieties for a patchwork effect in a large space.

Easy to get started and a great choice for shady areas, Pachysandra forms a dense, low cover that is particularly great at suppressing weeds.

With their hummingbird-attracting flowers, Salvia is a beautiful groundcover that appreciates full sun and a dry climate.

They don’t create a carpet the way some groundcovers do, but hostas make for excellent borders. The shade-tolerant clumps will multiply over the years.

Able to tolerate damper soil than most groundcovers, Creeping Jenny blooms with bright yellow flowers during the summer.

A high traffic-standing, fast-covering groundcover, ground ivys have also been known to invade lawns so be sure to give them plenty of room to spread. Mow it down if you feel it might be encroaching on areas you’d prefer stay ivy free.

Not only does chamomile withstand high traffic, but it releases a lovely scent when stepped on.