Being a homeowner is a blessing, but a lot of work and responsibility goes into maintaining your house – inside and out. Everyday tasks like sweeping, dishes and laundry can be tricky enough to stay on top of, but add shoveling snow and mowing the lawn to your endless list of chores and it can quickly feel impossible to stay on top of things. To save on trips to the grocery store, some people grow fruits and vegetables in their backyards. Those same green thumbs have devised ways to keep their space looking lush and green without all the work that comes with grass – ground cover plants.

There are many benefits to growing these trendy, colorful and textured additions, such as choking out weeds and controlling erosion on slopes while protecting the roots of neighboring plants. If you’re dealing with patchiness in your lawn, ground cover plants can help fill the space beautifully, you just have to determine which of the many options is best suited for you.

Creeping Mahonia (Mahonia repens)

The bright yellow flowers on Creeping Mahonia will always bring a smile to your face in the springtime. Through summer and fall these ground cover plants produce black-blue fruit and even in the winter their purple-green leaves are appealing to look at. Mahonia requires the most care in its first year, when gardeners should water it frequently; afterward, water is only required in high temperatures or times of drought.

“Depending on how thick your desired coverage is, plant about two or three feet apart,” expert Kelly Funk tells MarthaStewart.com. Creeping Mahonia grows 12-24 inches tall and 12-36 inches wide; best results will come from moist, acidic soil.

Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis)

Another of the berry-baring ground cover plants is Bunchberry, also known as Cornus canadensis. This vibrant option does well in the shade with full-drained soil. Proper care will ensure small, white flowers bloom in the spring before red fruit comes in the fall. At the same time, the leaves turn shades of bronzy purple, as shown above.

Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum tectorum)

Gardeners in hot, dry climates favor Hens and Chicks, which don’t require much water as they’re susceptible to root rot. To plant, till a spot with partial to full sunlight then dig a three-inch deep hole. This is where the hen (larger succulent) will sit, and the chicks go directly on top of the soil. “Sprinkle a thin coating of gravel over the top of the soil to keep the moisture in,” Funk advises. They grow just three to six inches tall and six to 12 inches wide in sandy, well-draining soil.

Bugleweed (Ajuga)

Bugleweed, also called Ajuga, should be planted after the last frost of the season. You’ll want to dig holes just deep enough for the root ball, leaving about eight inches of space between perennials. Loosen roots and place the ball in the ground while packing the soil, thoroughly watering the area. Pruning should be done every three years to avoid invasive growth, though the green and chocolate-brown leaves do provide an effective weed barrier.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

You can buy your Oregano from strangers at the store, or you can add it to your collection of ground cover plants! The scented foliage grows small flowers during the summer that attract pollinators which can be helpful for the rest of your garden. Additionally, it can be snipped to use for cooking, though it will need to be trimmed often to manage height. The best growing conditions for Oregano are in full sunshine.

Coral Bells (Heuchera)

Finally, Coral Bells will make bring charm to any backyard with their pretty color and unique charm. You might notice an influx of hummingbirds and bees after planting; they grow from six to 16 inches tall and 12 to 36 inches wide. Although they’re one of the most beautiful, ground cover plants, Coral Bells are high maintenance. They need generous watering during dry periods, regular pruning and are subject to frost heaving (when the plant gets pushed up as soil freezes over). If the latter happens, you might have to replant or tamp it back into place.