Returning year after year, perennial groundcovers, like the Delosperma pictured above, hold the soil together, prevent erosion loss, and improve poor soil conditions by aerating and bolstering organic matter. Frequently they thrive where normal lawn grasses refuse to grow, and they are often used as living mulch.

Best of all, these groundcovers beautify an area with their interesting textures and colors. Some are evergreen or nearly evergreen, and many offer stunning displays of flowers.