Yarrow: A Tough Groundcover Option Image by Flickr / entheos The
white flower heads of the yarrow plant Get acquainted with this
hardy and handy groundcover People are always looking to cover
open rough spots in the lawn and around the property. Our hardy
native yarrow (Achillea millefolium) establishes quickly and
binds the soil to provide a soft, scented carpet. In the wilds
of Western Canada, white flat-topped flower heads rise to 75 cm
(30 in.) tall from a mass of ferny leaves. Buy yarrow plants
from a local garden centre or grow them from rooted stem
fragments planted in fall or early spring. Many colour varieties
are easy to raise from seed, and you can mow the spreading
yarrow patch along with the grass. Yarrow leaves rubbed on the
skin or burned in a campfire keep away mosquitoes. A poultice
from steeped leaves helps heal sores and reduce muscle pain.