• When considering what ground covers are most appropriate for use in sunny flower beds, take into consideration the planting zone. For instance, the Mid-Atlantic region states fall into USDA Zones ranging from 5a to 7b depending on elevation, latitude and relation to Atlantic coastal waters; therefore, consider local conditions when choosing specimens that may thrive in your individual garden.
  
  

Creeping Phlox

• This sun-loving perennial blooms profusely on its short base of greenery--giving it the appearance of a feathery manicured rug. Creeping Phlox pays no mind to rocky soil and will drape itself over any mound, rock or paver in its path. During the winter months, the plant retains its "evergreen" look, and in fact remains green all year. The blooming period is confined to spring and the blooms may be white, pink, deep pink and purples. The best time to prune, trim and divide for propagation is after the blooms are spent for the season. Gardener's often favor combining the Creeping Phlox with other brightly colored spring-flowering bulbs in their garden designs.
  
  

Ajuga

• Ajuga is a perennial plant sometimes referred to by an additional common name of Bugleweed. One popular characteristic is that it spreads quickly and may complete coverage of a growing area in one season. The plant's leaves spread out from a central root stem in a circular pattern of layers before the center shoots up to a height of 6- to 8- inches high, while the remaining part of the plant grows to a maximum of four inches. In spring, tiny flowers dot the center stem in varying shades of a bright lavender-blue, while the leaves are a deep green sometimes tinged by dark purple.
  
  This plant spreads by shooting out runners, which in turn rapidly form their own roots that attach to the ground. Propagating the plant is easy---done simply by uprooting one individual plant, then setting it down at the target patch of ground. By pressing the root base down into the dirt, the roots should have good contact with the soil so that the plant will root itself. Care must be taken to assure placement of edge barriers to contain Ajuga's growth because the plant can become invasive if not curtailed.,
  
  

Candytuft-Sempervirens

• This ground-cover plant is a low-growing sun garden favorite for gardeners in the USDA zones 4-8, which includes the Mid-Atlantic states, just like Creeping Phlox and Ajuga. In the region, the Candytuft's white blooms put on their show in mid-spring. Candytuft can be a cold-hardy plant, sustaining temperatures down to -33 degrees F, but requiring at least 100 frost-free days. This plant also grows low and wide---its maximum height usually averaging one foot or less. If growing from seed, Candytuft may be started indoors about two months before last frost, or after frost, it may be planted directly into the garden bed.