Native ground covers

Ground covers are the foundation of your garden.

They provide plants for pollinators to live in and under. They also shade your soil keeping moisture in the ground and blocking weed seeds from germinating.

Ground covers can be ground hugging, or up to a foot tall. If they cover the soil and/or are a layer under other plants, shrubs and trees they are a ground cover. 

So if you want a manicured look with a lot less weed maintenance, don't skimp on your groundcover. I've learned this the hard way.