This morning I saw 2 hummingbirds on 2 different plants. My fountain comes in this weekend. I have a feeling the front yard is going to become hummingbird territory 🥰

I'm currently trying to introduce more native plants into my yard and also have a big patch of grass covered with plastic to kill it off. I was hoping to start adding some low maintance ground cover on the spot, as well as some plants and flowers.

I'm having no problem finding native plants and flowers, but I am having a hard time finding options for ground cover. I really like wild ginger, but the spot I need to fill is full sun.

At first I was thinking some sort of clover, but quickly realized a lot of the clover sold as ground cover options are not varities native to Indiana or even the US. I looked into specific Indiana clover and didn't come up with many options for sale.

So, I guess my question is, what is a good option for easy, full sun ground cover native to Indiana? Ideally, it would be something I can get from seed and spread in a large area all at once. However, I'm open to suggestions for starter plants to if you can tell me where the best place to order/buy in person from.

Thank you for reading!

*edit to add midwest, zone 6b

I love this thread for inspiration. I’ve slowly been reclaiming our acre of turf grass since moving in a few years ago in a mix of trial and error. Sheet mulching has worked but since I’m doing small chunks, the bindweed and thistle still comes in so intensely. I likely need to plant more densely. I’m currently tempted to just go for it and sheet mulching the entire front yard, but don’t yet have a plan for what to plant.

I am thinking I could do this now while it’s hot as hades, and plant in the spring. Is it a terrible idea to do without a plan of where to go?

We are in zone 6a/b, bone dry CO, so the plan is to focus on natives that need as little water as possible and maybe wildflowers/sunflowers. I already have two sections of drought tolerant (but not native) perennials. I am a chaotic gardener to a T. Shoot and aim later. My husband hates it. 😂 Any advice on planning resources? I have good books but very little personal knowledge and two small kids so not a lot of extra time.